Before entering the NHL, Dany Heatley followed in his father’s footsteps (Professional hockey player, Murray Heatley) and played hockey at the University of Wisconsin. For Heatley, gaining an education was important and he spent two successful years—both on and off the ice—in college. He was the first draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers and the second overall pick of the 2000 NHL entry draft, though he completed his second year in Wisconsin before debuting with the Thrashers in the 2001-2002 season where he won the Calder Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year. In his second NHL season he scored more than a point a game and finished the year with 89 points in just 77 games. In that same season he was invited to play in the All Star Game where he broke Wayne Gretzky record for the youngest participating player as well, scored four goals tying the scoring the record previously held by Vincent Damphouse, Mike Gartner, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. During this time, Heatley continued to represent Canada in international play earning gold at the ’03 and ’04 World Championships and silver in ’05. Heatley began the 2005-06 season with the Ottawa Senators and quickly became a fan favourite by becoming the first player in Senator franchise history to score 50 goals in one season. For the second straight season, Heatley scored 50 goals in 2006-07. He helped lead the Senators to win the Eastern Conference Championship and in to the Stanley Cup finals against the Anaheim Ducks. Most recently in Heatley’s 2007-08 season he was, yet again, asked to play for Canada in the World Championships. For the second time in five years Heatley was awarded MVP and lead the tournament in scoring. Dany is an inspiring player and thrills fans of the game each time he steps on the ice. He is equally as impressive off the ice as a role model to aspiring young athletes. His words are important, candid, and encouraging. He has learned many lessons and in Dominant Dany Heatley, he shares these with his many fans.

Lorna Schultz Nicholson has published children’s picture books, middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and non-fiction hockey books. Her books have been nominated for many awards and are often on the CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens. The first four books in her One-2-One series were all nominated for the Red Maple Forest of Reading award. She is also the author of the new young adult novel, WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. A frequent presenter in schools, Lorna also speaks at writing workshops and conferences. Lorna lives in Edmonton with her husband, and the quirky dog she rescued from Mexico.

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