The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize four 14 year old eighth graders at Yavneh Academy as this week’s Sportstars of the Week. The talented quartet of Dahlia Feintuch, Yaffa Lofstock, Kira Jacobs and Sophie Yurowitz, just repeated as undefeated YMSSA girls hockey champions. Dahlia Feintuch is the goalie and backbone of the Redhawks championship team. Yaffa Lofstock was the high scorer in the championship game; scoring two of the team’s three goals unassisted and assisting on the third. Kira Jacobs, scored a goal in the championship game and killed a tremendous amount of time fighting for the ball in the corners to preserve the lead. Sophie Yurowitz has one of the most powerful shots on the team which, combined with her ability to play really well with her teammates, makes her a big part of the team’s success.

When asked to choose a Sportstar from her championship team, Redhawk Coach Aliza Hiller told the JLNJ, “The depth of the team is the key to our championship. I would love for whole team to be recognized as Sportstar Team of the Week.” While these four will get the credit, I believe all will agree with Coach Hillers assessment and this is award earned by the whole team.

Ladies, congratulations on your back to back undefeated seasons and your upcoming graduation. If you had to select a role model who would it be and why?

Dahlia: My parents, because they always encourage me to play my best, and I can always spot them in the stands cheering me on.

Yaffa: My role model is Brooke Ammerman, of the New York Riveters women’s ice hockey team. She was my sister’s coach a couple of years ago, which is how I found out about the NWHL (National Women’s Hockey League). When I got the privilege of meeting her at one of her games, she was one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met. She is my role model because I strive to be like her on the ice and also off the ice.

Kira: My brother for teaching me how to play hockey.

Sophie: Mats Zuccarello because he is short hockey player but still is amazing and defies the odds

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Dahlia: Being a part of the Yavneh hockey team’s back to back undefeated championship seasons.

Yaffa: My greatest accomplishment would probably have to be when our team won the championships. I was so extremely happy and there was no feeling like that in the world.

Kira: Winning back to back undefeated championships.

Sophie: Hat-trick against WDS.

What is your pregame routine?

Dahlia: As a goalie, I have very superstitious pregame rituals. I bring the same exact ball to every game, eat ice before every game, put all my equipment on in the same exact order and then lead my team in our pregame stretches.

Yaffa: Drinking a lot of water so I stay hydrated and no food because then I will get cramps and start to feel nauseous.

Kira: Going to get ice from the nurses office.

Sophie: Braiding my hair in Dutch braids.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Dahlia: I was about 7 years old when I had my first experience playing as a hockey goalie. My older brother was having a few friends over and there wasn’t an even amount of kids to play hockey. As the younger sibling, I was thrown in net and told to ‘suit up.’ Surprisingly, I held my own against the older boys, who were shocked that I could actually play.

Yaffa: My earliest sports memory would have to be when I was at least 7 or 8 and my ice hockey team (which was made up of 11 and 12 year old girls) won our tournament. We all took a picture on the ice, but since I was so much smaller than everyone else, the coach had to pick me up so I looked almost the same height as everyone else.

Kira: Playing hockey in the basement of my house.

Sophie: Playing soccer when I was 5.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Dahlia: My favorite sports memory would have to be taking part in the Yavneh hockey team for three full seasons, where everyone on the team was so supportive and loving of one another. Over the course of these three seasons, I had gone five games in a row without allowing any goals and won back to back undefeated championships.

Yaffa: My favorite sports memory would be from last year when I was on the New Jersey Bandits girls team. We had a tournament in Pennsylvania, so I stayed there over Shabbat. Before Shabbat started we went to go play mini golf, which was located right outside the hotel. Then, on Friday night, after Shabbat dinner, my teammates and I ran around the hotel room playing tag and other fun games, which almost resulted in us being kicked out! There was also a small ice rink in the back, so after Shabbat was over, we skated on the rink for hours having an amazing time.

Kira: Stick handling the puck in the corner to stall time as the crowd was screaming my name over and over.

Sophie: In sixth grade, Kira and I would always race each other at who would do the suicides fastest (She always won).

What do you like to do when not playing hockey?

Dahlia: My favorite thing to do when not playing hockey is either sleeping or watching Netflix.

Yaffa: When I’m not playing sports my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends or do something art related.

Kira: Watching TV.

Sophie: Watching Netflix.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

Dahlia: Receiving recognition and appreciation for something that I love to do and have been working so hard for.

Yaffa: The best thing about being a Sportstar is that my teammates and I get to share our win and hard work with the community. Winning the championships was a total team effort. I’m proud of everyone on the team, especially the other eighth graders: Kira Jacobs, Sophie Yurowitz, Shira Albert, Ora Lieberman, Mia Cohen and Dahlia Feintuch, who worked extremely hard. We are all super proud of each other and what we accomplished.

Kira: Always knowing that there is more to learn.

Sophie: Being recognized for all the hard work I put into this season and an opportunity to thank our coach, Aliza Hiller, for her time and dedication to our team. Go Redhawks!

Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift certificate to Teaneck Doghouse. We are once again searching for a Father’s Day Sportstar, if your dad/son/brother or spouse is a Sportstar please reach out to us at [email protected] so we can recognize him.