In praise of Ahab: A Hockey Story

This breakout debut novel centers on teamwork and belonging—in life, the military and hockey—and what happens when some are left behind. The military themes and Bavarian settings are instantly recognizable and relatable, and you’ll find yourself cheering for Will Foley as he battles through rehab to get back to his unit and onto the ice.

Carolyn Warmbold, Author and Editor

Ahab wonderfully captures how hockey in Germany differs from North America—with the outward passion of English Premier League soccer meeting the fervently loyalty of NCAA college football. And even though sport can help us temporarily forget our troubles, Brad Huestis reminds us that it’s the bond with the “boys in the room” that gives players connections they’ll never forget.

Denny Wolfe, Senior Producer, ESPN Features Unit

Coming of age story? Check. Love interest? Check. Military connection? Check. Foreign setting? Check. All my favorites in one story. Brad Huestis skillfully weaves a coming of age story that checks every box—throw in a good looking woman or two and some Oktoberfest bier, and it's pretty close to perfect. I won't give away the best parts, but be prepared for a bit of an emotional roller coaster. A fun read with hidden depths that will stay with you long after you finish the last chapter.

Genie Hughes, former Berlin Brigade Judge Advocate

Ahab brings together the best of military life and hockey culture. Throw in a healthy dose of Bavarian "Bier Kultur" and the result is a great read, whether you are a hockey fan, a soldier, an ex-pat, or a reader just trying to get through the corona pandemic. Let’s go, Rangers!

Dr. Kraig Hays, Ph.D., University of Maryland Global Campus

A nostalgic read for Soldiers who have served in Germany, and an insightful yarn for those who have not. Set against a backdrop of the U.S. Army in Germany, Ahab shares a thoughtful, page-turning glimpse into resiliency, showing how teams can help us overcome life’s toughest challenges.

Jerry Dunlap, Three JAG Tours in Germany

I was immediately drawn into the world of the main character—a young soldier who loses his leg in a jump and whose love of ice hockey makes it possible for him to survive. It was a pleasure experiencing his adventures in Bavaria, and I firmly believe that even readers not associated with the Army or ice hockey will find the story very entertaining and deeply touching. I warmly recommend it to everyone. Well done Mr. Huestis, I look forward to your next book!

Sofia Caulwell, USAG-Bavaria Family Member

Brad Huestis’s debut novel is both charming and thought-provoking, combining the emotional freedom of play with the unflinching realities of life and the consequences of our actions. Ahab is a compelling story that goes beyond the subject of war-time and examines the human condition, showing we are capable of much more than we believe.

Justin Herzog, author of First Wave and Into the Void

Through his protagonist—Will Foley—Brad Huestis tells the story of a young Soldier struggling with the possible loss of identity, purpose, and camaraderie he found as a paratrooper, and his attempts to fill that void with his Boston-bred passion for hockey. With vivid scenes of military life and southern Germany, Brad paints an engrossing portrait of a young man at a crossroads. A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end, Ahab shares the author’s passion for hockey, Bavarian culture, and the redemptive power of the brotherhood of hockey.

Randy Swansiger, Former Airborne Infantryman

Travel with Will Foley and the Rangers on Will’s road to recovery, and share in his battles against the odds to remain in the Army and on the ice. The Bayern Rangers are very real—I am one. And yes, like Will, I owe my life to them.

Jim Neumiller, West Point Graduate and Bayern Ranger

Highly recommended! Brad Huestis knows both ice hockey and the Army. He also has an in-depth emotional understanding of life and the way dramas are shaped every day on the human stage. It all shines through in Ahab. To read this powerful but accessible story is as much an emotional experience as it is an entertaining sojourn.

Jeff Elliott, Communication Consultant

Ahab: A Hockey Story is a coming-of-age tale of an Army paratrooper struggling to deal with tragedies and finding himself in the process. Throughout, Brad Huestis paints a vivid picture of Will Foley’s experiences in the Army, on the ice, and in Bavaria. Ahab reaffirms the incredible importance of friendship and will leave you yearning for a beer with your closest friends.

Dr. Matt Noss, D.O., Brigade Surgeon and Bayern Ranger

Brad Huestis masterfully weaves personal and professional relationships throughout a narrative that navigates the interconnected experiences of military service, sport, and family. A compelling page turner, Ahab quickly brings the reader into a story with spot-on descriptions of military life, hockey culture, and personal challenges..

Sean McGarry, Former Tanker and Bayern Ranger Enforcer

Brad Huestis takes us on a remarkable journey through fear, loss, atonement, and triumph. With silky prose and deft cadence, Ahab is reminiscent of the best coming-of-age stories; an engrossing mix of John Hughes and Stephen King with whispers of Tolstoy. All said, a wonderful read.

James Aaron Buchanan, Author and Hockey Dad

Ahab takes readers on an emotional journey with Will Foley, a young soldier forced to overcome numerous physical and psychological hurdles while stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Brad Huestis immediately draws you into a compelling story of perseverance in the face on ongoing adversity, and sensitively explores some very difficult topics—making it a must read for military readers who have been or will be stationed in Germany. A great read, I found it difficult to put the down until I reached its surprising climax!

Dr. Debra Davidson, Ph.D., School Psychologist

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ahab and rooting for the story’s protagonist, Will Foley, who shows us that if we have the courage to face and accept our losses, no matter how tragic they may seem, we become free to make the most of what we have left. I look forward with anticipation to Brad’s next novel.

Michael Jetton, Writer and USAG-Bavaria Family Member

Brad's beautiful prose tells a heart-warming story any person with a love for sports and an understanding of the military will enjoy. Ahab: A Hockey Story clearly shows the strength of hockey and it's healing power. This novel will definitely strike a chord with those who have served and experienced the challenges our military members face daily around the world.

Keith Himmer, USNA Grad and USA Warriors Hockey Alumni

I was charmed and entertained by this fast-moving, deftly delivered story about family, friendship, and the regenerative powers of play. Foley is a compelling protagonist, easy to root for, and Ahab managed to both entertain and move me.

Kevin Moffett, author of The Silent History