All That Counts is a novel about life and a man's discovery about what is truly important in it.
Graham Wilson is a thirty-something recreational hockey player who decides to follow a long-held desire to become a goaltender. His transition is both comedic and inspiring as he seeks to challenge himself in the midst of a mundane life. Also on display is the curious paradox of the recreational game in American culture (i.e., it means everything, but it is only a game, but it is more than a game, but...). When his team's regular goalie leaves, Graham steps unsteadily into the crease, causing conflict on a team that is used to winning.
Graham's journey is a microcosm of life. Humor, inspiration, camaraderie, love and spite all make their appearances both on and off the ice as Graham struggles to learn what truly is "all that counts."
All That Counts will be published in March 2010 by Gray Dog Press.
Here's what people are saying about All That Counts:
With a nod toward Spokane’s long puck tradition, All That Counts is a book about life and hockey that will you will love. Will Graham’s vision quest is something we can all understand and cheer for and his inspiring journey reveals the wonder and absolute joy that hockey brings into this world.
~Mark Rypien (NFL Quarterback and Superbowl XXVI MVP)
Scalise knows what counts…from that insatiable itch that draws a wannabe goalie to the crease and into the inevitable struggles that come with the job. He’s captured the essence of goalkeeping in so many ways: the first infuriating attempt at strapping on the pads, the never-ending study of the game, and agonizing over those big, blazing scoreboard numbers. The reader grows convincingly with Gray through his self-doubt, embarrassment, and finally to the grains of confidence which soon pile up into a mountain of swagger that separates the goaltender from the rest of hockey. As I read this book, I can smell the stink of used gear, hear the crunch of steel blades on a fresh sheet of ice, and feel the thud of a hard shot well stopped.
But while Scalise is obviously at ease in the Rangers’ raucous rec league locker room, he is not the least bit afraid to peel off the stinky gear and expose Gray’s tender side while he and his wife embark on a life-altering journey. Scalise shows us that what’s on the scoreboard is truly not all that counts.
~Jill Maser Goaltender, University of Pennsylvania (retired) Author of the romance novel, Red Passion
All That Counts by Frank Scalise is an intriguing read for any avid hockey player, hockey fan, or sports fan alike. His ability to incorporate the intangible, unique elements of hockey with the always changing aspects of life outside of hockey provides an exciting read from cover to cover.
Frank’s writing style provided an easy read, as well as keeping me hooked until the very end. People will be able to draw connections to their own lives through Graham’s experiences. I enjoyed the story, and would recommend it to anybody that enjoys sports and good books.
~Derek Ryan (Spokane Chiefs, 2003-07)
This was a great book. It really highlights the challenges of a new goalie and how to work through them.
~Brad Moon, former WHL goaltender
All That Counts is full of hard-hitting hockey action, great locker room banter, lots of laughs and realistic, touching relationships. Players at all levels, hockey fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this Spokane hockey tale. Scalise really captures how hockey is a one of a kind sport that brings people together in a way that can’t be explained until you slap some skates on and see it for yourself.
~Cam Severson (Spokane Chiefs, 1997-99)
First Chapter of All That Counts:
“I want to play goalie.”
My wife cocked her brow and looked at me like I was crazy. “You want to what?”
“I want to play goalie,” I repeated. “Or at least try it out.”
“What are you, crazy?”
“Why is that crazy?”
She tilted her head and gave me an impatient look. “You want a list, Gray?”
I didn’t, actually. But marriage is about compromise. “Sure,” I said.
Beth held up one finger. “First off, you have no gear.”
“I already thought of that,” I said. “I’ll borrow some at first. Like I said, I just want to try it out.”
She ignored my response. “Two,” she said, holding up her second finger, “your team already has a goalie.”
“I didn’t say I wanted to be the Rangers’ goalie. I just—”
“Three,” she continued, relentless, “goalie gear is expensive and you already have a bag full of skater’s gear out in the garage. Those CCM skates you bought just three months ago were over two hundred dollars.”
She waited for me to argue that one, but I didn’t have anything to say. I’d bought the skates more like nine months ago, but other than that, she was right.
“Four,” she said, not pausing to enjoy her little victory, “you don’t know squat about the position. You’d be a beginner all over again.”
“What’s to know?” I asked her. “You stand there and wait for someone to shoot. Then you get in the way. That’s it.”
Beth shook her head. “You just got to the point where you’re feeling good about yourself as a skater, Gray. Remember how hard on yourself you were those first couple of years?”
“I wasn’t that bad,” I argued without much conviction. She was right – I was my own worst critic.
“No?” She tilted her head at me. “You were down on yourself all the time and I was the one who had to deal with that.”
“This’ll be different,” I told her.
“Yeah,” she said. “I know. It’ll be worse.”
“How do you figure that?”
She shook her head at me again and waggled her four fingers in the air. “Don’t talk to me like I don’t know hockey. I’ve been going to your rec league games for five years now, and watching the NHL on TV with you. Plus going to Chiefs games.”
“I realize that. But what’s that got to do with me playing goalie?”
“What it’s got to do with it,” she said, “is that if a goal goes in, it’s always the goalie’s fault.”
“Not always,” I said weakly.
“Yes, it is,” she said. “Even if it’s a five-on-oh breakaway, everyone blames the goalie if the puck gets into the net.”
“No, they don’t,” I tried to argue, even though she was right.
“Yes, they do,” Beth said. “And I know what that would do to you. You already blame yourself for days if a defenseman takes a shot from the point you’re supposed to be covering and it goes in. How do you think you’re going to act if every puck that goes in is your fault?”
I took a breath to answer her, but she interrupted me. She extended her thumb, turning the four count on her hand into five.
“Besides,” she said, “goalies are crazy, and I won’t be married to a crazy man.”
