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What: “Joshua Shoots! He Scores!”

Author: Chris Madsen.

Publisher: JHF Publications.

Price: $14.95.

The heartwarming story of Chris Madsen, the Mighty Ducks’ former television play-by-play announcer, and his relationship with young Joshua Sounder is beautifully told in this 120-page paperback book.

Madsen had a chance meeting with Joshua at a FanFair function at the Arrowhead Pond in February 1994. Joshua, who has cerebral palsy, was in a wheelchair. A friendship developed, an amazing friendship.

The book, however, opens with a downer. In July 2002, Madsen, after nine seasons with the Ducks, is told his services will no longer be needed.

At the time, Madsen is in Chicago, visiting family and taking care of his late father’s estate. A nephew asks Madsen, what was his greatest call? From there, Madsen takes the reader on a journey through his own life, and Joshua’s, after realizing his greatest call wasn’t one he made on television, but rather one made over the phone a year after meeting Joshua.

After undergoing brain surgery, Joshua was comatose and things looked bleak. Madsen called the hospital to check on him. He tried talking to Joshua, but got no response -- until shouting, “Joshua shoots! He scores!” It was then that Joshua came out of the coma.

There are some sad moments in the book, for Madsen and Joshua. But it ends on an incredibly high note, with Joshua graduating, with honors, from Santiago High in Corona this year. With Madsen helping, Joshua took his first steps to pick up his diploma -- and received a standing ovation.

It’s a moment that is guaranteed to bring a tear, a fitting end to an inspirational story.

(The book is available through joshuashoots.com, and Madsen and Joshua will be at the ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney tonight, 6-8:30, to sign copies.)

-- Larry Stewart