Key Takeaways:
- Tyler Hellard’s debut novel, Searching for Terry Punchout, is featured on the longlist for Canada Reads 2026.
- The novel is about a hockey player, but it’s more than just a hockey story – it’s about building bridges between family, friends, and community.
- Hellard’s upbringing in Summerside, P.E.I. influenced his writing of the novel through a hockey lens.
- The novel was first published in 2018 and was a finalist for the 2019 Amazon Canada First Novel Award and the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.
- Hellard is working on a new novel and a non-fiction book about wrestling, and aims to finish both by the end of the year.
Introduction to Tyler Hellard and His Novel
Tyler Hellard, a P.E.I.-raised writer, has made it to the longlist for Canada Reads 2026 with his debut novel, Searching for Terry Punchout. The novel, which was first published in 2018, is more than just a hockey story – it’s about building bridges between family, friends, and community. Hellard’s protagonist, Adam, is a hockey player who returns home and starts to reconnect with his friends and family, thus rebuilding personal bridges. This theme of building bridges is common among all the books featured on the longlist, and Hellard’s novel fits in perfectly.
The Inspiration Behind the Novel
Hellard’s upbringing in Summerside, P.E.I. played a significant role in influencing his writing of the novel through a hockey lens. He grew up playing hockey in the small town, where it was a unifying factor that brought people together. The relationships, rivalries, and competitions that came with playing competitive sports are all elements that Hellard has woven into his novel. He believes that the hockey framework makes it easy for readers to understand the story, especially for those who grew up in similar small towns.
Awards and Recognition
Searching for Terry Punchout has received significant recognition since its publication in 2018. It was a finalist for the 2019 Amazon Canada First Novel Award and the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize. Being longlisted for Canada Reads 2026 has given the book a second life, and Hellard is thrilled to see his work being recognized again. The novel’s success has also motivated Hellard to return to writing after a six-year break, and he is now working on a new novel and a non-fiction book about wrestling.
Hellard’s Relationship with Sports
While Hellard still loves sports, his relationship with them has changed over the years. He enjoys watching games and participating in discussions with others, but he is also aware of the flaws in the organizations that govern sports. Despite this, he believes that the games themselves are still fun to watch and be a part of. Hellard’s love for sports is evident in his writing, and his novel reflects the complexities and nuances of competitive sports.
What’s Next for Hellard
Being featured on the Canada Reads longlist has given Hellard a new sense of purpose and motivation. He is working on a new novel and a non-fiction book about wrestling, and he aims to finish both by the end of the year. Hellard is also a fan of the Canada Reads competition format, which he finds entertaining and celebratory of reading in general. He believes that the competition is not just about the winning book, but about promoting reading and literature as a whole. For now, Hellard is enjoying the experience of being featured on the longlist and is looking forward to seeing how his work will be received by readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tyler Hellard’s debut novel, Searching for Terry Punchout, is a heartwarming story about building bridges between family, friends, and community. The novel’s success has been recognized through various awards and nominations, and being longlisted for Canada Reads 2026 has given it a new lease on life. Hellard’s love for sports and his upbringing in Summerside, P.E.I. have influenced his writing, and he is now working on new projects that reflect his passions. As a writer, Hellard is committed to promoting reading and literature, and he is excited to be a part of the Canada Reads competition.