Chasing the NHL: From Pond Hockey to Pro

An Inspirational True Story!

Chasing the NHL is the story of a fresh-faced, overlooked, NHL-caliber hockey player named Trent Daavettila and insurance agent Jay Storm. Jay and Trent meet while playing men’s league hockey together in small-town Michigan. Jay immediately recognizes that Trent’s talents are above and beyond everyone else on the ice and sets off on a quest to get Trent a shot at the NHL, in an attempt to land a pro hockey contract.

“Inspirational, funny, and interesting. Great read for hockey players and hockey families of all ages.” —Todd Krygier - retired NHL player over 500 games

“Trent had the most poise I have ever seen in the ECHL. He was dynamic and was one of the best 200 foot players to play in the league.” —Nick Bootland - Head coach Kalamazoo Wings

“Releasing Trent was one of the easiest decisions I could make but turned out to be one of my biggest mistakes. After a couple of practices I informed Trent that I wouldn’t be keeping him, he came right back into my office and told me he wasn’t going anywhere. I truly respected him for this and kept him around for another week but still felt if I played him he would get hurt. I spent the next four years trying to trade for him and get him on my team. His hockey sense and vision was thru the roof but his perseverance is remarkable” —Jarrod Skalde - Retired NHL player and current player development coach with Pittsburgh Penguins

This is a story of enthusiasm, optimism, and persistence that transcends professional sports, and is relatable to anyone who has ever thought to chase their dreams and make the most of their talents. Based on the real-life story of a small-town hockey hero, Chasing the NHL offers a nitty-gritty, up-close-and-personal account of the obstacles this extreme athletic talent overcame, as well as the accolades he received. Trent was overlooked until the age most other players at his level had established careers. Along with the late-blooming development of Trent’s hockey talent come all the trials and tribulations of adulthood, as well as the joys, such as marriage and children.

Follow the story of Trent Daavettila and Jay Storm as the two of them work tirelessly with minor league hockey teams across North America to achieve their dream of reaching the NHL.

Storm Publishing, 2018

Paperback, 176 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 in