On Sunday March 25, yeshiva high school students gathered at the John T. Wright Arena, in Englewood, for the second annual Rapid Fire Yeshiva Ice Hockey Benefit Tournament. In all, 10 area yeshivas were represented, TABC, SAR, Ramaz, JEC, Frisch, Kushner, Flatbush, along with Long Island newcomers HAFTR, Rambam and DRS.

The event raised funds for Sharsheret and Jewish War Veterans of America, and was held in honor of Dr. Dennis B. Freilich, who passed away earlier this year. His four sons Benjamin, Elliott, David and Jonathan, along with several of his grandchildren, all had a large part in the event and in forming the successful ice hockey league for yeshiva high school students that took place at the arena this past year.

Fresh off the inaugural season of play in this new league, over 100 participants (easily surpassing last year’s attendance) arrived at Mackay Park in the late afternoon, making use of every available square inch of locker room space, to change into their equipment. They were divided into six teams and played four rounds consisting of 15 minute, non-checking, running time “games,” for a total of 12 consecutive contests. In between games there was a lot of interaction between squads, no shortage of minyanim (there were reports of at least six), a hockey memorabilia raffle and quite a large amount of pizza was consumed—some even during games while on the player’s bench.

A great time was had by all, and funds were raised for two great causes. Thank you to all the participants, the coaches and parents and a very special thanks to both Ken Katz at Mackay for facilitating the ice time for the league and the tournament and to the entire Freilich family for sponsoring the event.

By David, Jonathan, Benjamin and Elliot Freilich