The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has commissioned an orchestral adaptation of Roch Carrier’s beloved classic, The Hockey Sweater. The musical adaptation will premiere in May 2012 with Roch Carrier himself narrating the performance that will be hosted by hockey legend and MP Ken Dryden.

The story was originally published in French in 1979 as Une abominable feuille d’érable sur la glace in an adult anthology. A producer at the National Film Board (NFB) was so taken with the story that the NFB had Sheldon Cohen animate the film adaptation. Children’s book publisher Tundra Books went on to publish The Hockey Sweater/Le Chandail de Hockey in picture book format in 1984, featuring original art by Sheldon Cohen.

The Hockey Sweater annotation from Our Choice 1985-1986
A mix-up in a catalogue order in 1946 results in the delivery of a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater, instead of a Montreal Canadiens sweater, to a dedicated Maurice Richard fan. How will he face his fellow team members, all of whom are wearing the famous number 9?