Fantasy Hockey Trade follows two twelve-year-old teammates who accidentally swap bodies with NHL stars, turning their hockey dreams into an adventure that tests their friendship and deepens their appreciation for home. What was the inspiration for your story?

Fantasy Hockey Trade was born out of two passions: a lifelong love for hockey and a desire to speak directly to what kids face on and off the ice. Growing up playing and coaching sports, I saw how easily young athletes tie their entire identity, joy, and worth into status, skill level, or winning. I wanted to take every hockey-loving kid’s ultimate fantasy, ”waking up in the body of an NHL star” and flip it into a heartfelt lesson about gratitude and identity. Easton and Trevor discover that even at the highest levels of fame and glamour, life is empty without real friendship, humility, and the people back home who truly know you and love you for who you are.

How did you develop Alexis’s role as the trios moral anchor while giving her an identity beyond supporting Easton and Trevor?

Alexis was never meant to be a sidekick; she is a trailblazer and the fierce heartbeat of the line. Her confidence and skill on the ice, ”smoking the boys in sprint laps and lighting the lamp”command respect from teammates and rivals alike. That physical confidence matches her moral clarity. Alexis sees bullying clearly for what it is: the outward noise of insecure kids trying to become “joy thieves”. She isn’t afraid to step into the gap and confront wrongdoing head-on, proving to young readers that true courage is about standing up for others, holding teammates accountable, and refusing to let anyone dim your joy.

What did you want Nicky and Carson’s responses to their own bullying to reveal about accountability and forgiveness within the Gladiators?

I wanted to show that bullying isn’t solved by retaliation or revenge, but by truth, grace, and redemption. When Nicky finally breaks down and confesses, it shows that hurting people often act out because they are desperately looking for acceptance and belonging. True accountability happens when Carson and Nicky have to look in the mirror, own their mistakes, and discover that real strength lies in integrity and lifting others up, not tearing then down. Easton and Trevor’s willingness to forgive them and welcome them into a unified team shows that love always wins. Healing a team culture requires both sides: bullies who are brave enough to change, and victims who are strong enough to extend grace.

What did the glimpse into the character’s futures allow you to express about growing up that the Gladiators championship alone could not?

Winning a 12U youth championship is a wonderful milestone, but a trophy is just a fleeting moment in time. Looking into their future shows young readers that the lessons learned through “childhood adversity, perseverance, faith, loyalty, and standing together” are the foundation for a meaningful life. Whether their path takes them to the NHL or into other callings, the bond forged in kindness and mutual support outlasts any youth sports stat. It allowed me to reinforce the message that our childhood dreams never truly die if we stay grounded in love, trust the journey, and realize that how we treat people along the way is the real victory.

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