Donald Ferguson
The Chums of Scranton High at Ice Hockey
"The Chums of Scranton High at Ice Hockey" by Donald Ferguson is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of high school friends, particularly focusing on the characters Hugh Morgan and Thad Stevens, as they navigate winter sports, friendships, and moral dilemmas within their small town. The plot suggests themes of redemption and the quest for character development, especially concerning the local bully, Nick Lang, whose transformation becomes central to the story. At the start of the tale, Hugh and Thad are excitedly discussing their hopes for the winter ice conditions suitable for hockey. They observe the local weather changes, emphasizing the anticipation of skating on a newly frozen pond. As they engage in conversation, Hugh reflects on his recent encounter with Nick Lang, who has been a bully in the past. Nick's request to purchase Hugh's old hockey skates and the subsequent interactions between the characters hint at a potential redemption arc for Nick. This opening portion establishes not only the setting and the friendships among the boys but also poses questions about character change and morality, setting the stage for the events to unfold in later chapters.