Black Ice

 ROBERT TAYLOR JR.

 Better known as Buck. From an early age Robert has always loved the game of hockey. A skill he inherited from his father and grandfather. He was born to play the game of hockey. Life tragedies begins when Roberts witnesses his father being robbed and killed by a white man at the age of eight. At 17, while playing in a junior hockey league, he finds himself being attacked by an opponent white player in a junior league hockey game. Robert defends himself in the brawl and strikes the opponent player with a deadly blow. Robert is then sentenced to eight years in prison. As a result, Robert then finds himself bitter and angry at white society.

After serving his prison sentence, he is released on parole and assigned community service a hockey rink in  an all-black neighborhood. Robert is given the task to teach young black kids how to play the game of hockey who have never played the game before.  He teaches these young boys how to use their God given rhythm by overcoming their fears and perseverance to learn the game hockey. At the same time, Robert himself,  also learns a powerful lesson  in forgiveness and love.

ANGELA (Robert Taylor Jr.’s, “Buck” mother.)

Angela, raised Robert as a single mom. She have never allowed  Robert to  forget who his biological father was. She is a hard working maid at a local hotel earning a modest income and willing to do all she can  to take care of her only son, Buck. She is very supportive of his hockey endeavors and  has always pride herself on instilling God in Robert’s life.

During his time in prison, she was the one person who encouraged him to never let go of his dream to play pro hockey someday. Her soft spoken, yet courageous spirit as an African American woman, makes it known to Robert that his troubles has great purpose for his life.

COACH SMITH

A middle age white man who loves the game of hockey. He is responsible for  the discovery of Robert (Buck), at 18, in a junior hockey league. He was convinced that Robert had the  potential of becoming a great player. He supported and encouraged Robert to be the best hockey player he could be, despite the racism that he encountered. He also supported Robert while he was in prison as well as after his release.  Coach Smith  became one of the  strongest allies for Buck and his  young hockey team.   

KAREN

A young attractive white woman who loves being involved in community efforts involving with young kids. She took on the challenge of working with all young black kids in an all-black urban neighborhood community center. Because of her compassionate heart, and passionate about being a change agent, she felt that these kids needed the most help. She became the supervisor of  the hockey rink.

Karen is partly responsible for recruiting Buck to coach the  hockey team at  her center.  After seeing Buck’s love for the game and his commitment, to these kids, she becomes attracted to him and does all she can to help him and the team succeed. Despite the lack of trust that Buck has for white society, this doesn’t stop her from developing a deep attraction towards him knowing he would never entertain an interracial relationship.

MIKE

A 15 year old kid, who grew up without his dad. His first time ever playing hockey, he develops a close bond with  Coach Robert, who helps to fill the void of his father. In a heart to heart  conversation he confronts his mom about the impact this void has left due to  the absence of  his father and seeks understanding from her. Eventual his dad returns to his life and shows up at his last championship game. With emotion and tons of reservation, both Mike and his dad reunites.

CECIL

Robert’s cell-mate, who wears a very tough demeanor become the voice of reason and speaks to Robert’s conscious. He offers Robert key advice about prison life and his future.

RICK

Heavy set teenager, who loves to eat.  Rick’s main reason for hanging out at the recreational center is because of free lunch. He takes every advantage of the free food program. When he is recruited by Coach Robert for the hockey team, he lacks confidence because of his weight. He is often teased by the other players and is  always nervous about getting on the ice. He finally learns to become the team goalie.  After a few successful plays, he finally gains his confidence and makes a winning play to save the championship game.

COREY

A teenager with street smarts,  who is raised by his Uncle Raye, who is a drug-dealer. Even though you can find him hanging out at the recreational center, he spends the majority of his time selling drugs under  Uncle Ray, a neighborhood drug lord.  

Corey finds himself having to choose to play hockey or forced to sell drugs for his Uncle- who wants him to have no parts of a white man’s game. He becomes one of the best players of the team, but comes up missing before the most important game, - the championship game where  Uncle Ray, threatens Corey not to participate. 

FLASH

The  most mature player on the hockey team.  Raised by his grandfather, Papa. Flash believes, he is a serious relationship with Jessica, his 16  year old girlfriend. He  quickly learns ice skating skills and becomes a talented hockey player.  He becomes an important voice for the team. Midway through the season, Flash finds out his girlfriend is pregnant, and is pressured with the responsibility of being a father all too soon.

UNCLE RAY

Roberts’ uncle. He is drug dealer with a reputation of having a hot temper with any member of his crew, including family that gets in the way of his money. With a very hard demeanor, and street status known for putting fear in the hearts of many, he wears the street credit in hood, Killer Drug Lord, very seriously. He makes it clear to Corey, that playing hockey is a waste of time and a white man’s game; dares him with his life to continue this sport.