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Star hockey
player, Jeff McHenry, a senior at the exclusive St. Crispin’s prep
school enjoys the privileged lifestyle afforded to him by his
father’s wealth.
With his team on the heels of the playoffs and his father’s
financial support to attend Harvard, Jeff’s future seems secure.
Jeff’s arrogance fuels a rivalry with teammate, Chase
Jennings, and draws alliances from both on and off the ice rink.
When Jeff’s substitute History teacher, Andrew, tries to
teach his class about the St. Crispian’s Day speech from
Shakespeare’s Henry V, it is clear that Jeff has never understood
or practiced the humility that made Henry V a great leader.
Jeff’s mettle is tested when a bad investment bankrupts his
father.
Jeff painfully accepts his transfer to a public school, but is
allayed by his father’s assurance that his college tuition is
safe.
Jeff’s adjustment to the socially and economically diverse
Eastside High proves to be a difficult one.
He refuses Monica’s invitation, as the interim hockey
coach, to join the team.
His disparaging remarks about the last placed team,
alienates the players.
That night, Jeff attends a St. Crispin’s house party and
discovers that he is no longer part of that social circle.
Even more distressing, is the circulating news that his
father’s financial troubles have forced him to tap into his
college fund.
Realizing his need for an athletic scholarship, Jeff joins
the Eastside team in the hopes of impressing a Harvard scout.
Jeff’s rigorous and punishing practices are in opposition
with Monica’s good-natured coaching.
Monica questions Jeff’s incessant determination to go to
Harvard and learns that it is part of his fulfillment of his
deceased mother’s dream.
Jeff dismisses Monica’s advice that his character
determines who he is, not the name of his school.
At the last game of the year, Eastside vs. St. Crispin, Jeff faces
off with his school rival, Chase. Jeff tells his teammates that
their only chance of winning is for him to shoulder the offense.
Jeff’s talents and selfish play are unable to overcome the
dominating St. Crispin’s team. With only few minutes left and
Eastside is being shut out 3-0, Jeff’s frustration mounts. When
Chase insults Jeff, a fight erupts and the two players receive
penalties. A defeated Jeff buries his face in his hands only to
look up to discover the entire arena has come to a standstill.
Monica reveals herself as an angel and tells Jeff that although
investments go bad and plans change, God’s love for him is
constant. Monica tells Jeff that even though he made a promise to
his dying mother, his mother is at a peace in God’s presence. But
this game is Jeff’s chance to prove that he is a true leader.
The arena becomes active and Jeff is released from the penalty
box. He apologizes to his teammates and inspires them with a
version of the St. Crispian’s day speech. Tess and Andrew,
spectators at the game, direct the Harvard scout’s attention to
Jeff. Working as a team, Eastide is able to score two quick
goals. Their efforts fall short as time expires before the tying
goal reaches past the goal line. Despite the loss, Jeff’s
leadership skills impress the scout, who suggests that there might
be an available scholarship for him next semester.
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