Yeshiva high school ice hockey is continuing to reach new heights with the first complete season coming to an end with playoffs already underway. All teams involved this season have made incredible strides in their play with hard work and more and more ice time. The not unexpected but equally amazing part is the reaction from the referees, staff at Mackay Ice Rink and fans that have all been glowing remarks as to how well played and fun the games are. The sportsmanship and midot are apparent in every game as players continue to make a kiddush Hashem at every opportunity.
Along the same lines of combining sports with mitzvot
and giving back to the community, the captains from TABC Storm and DRS Wildcats, Elli Spinowitz and Akiva Aryeh, worked together to play the first annual Winter Classic game between the two schools at Mackay on Sunday March 17. The teams combined together to raise hundreds of dollars for Chai Lifeline.
DRS, not yet part of the yeshiva high school ice hockey program, gathered a team together for the first time to play against the seasoned TABC storm. Although the Storm clearly dominated the game, it was fun to watch the Wildcats give their all on every shift until the very last second of the game when they broke the shutout against all-star goaltender Jonah Elzweig with a few extra players on the ice.
Unfortunately, on Sunday afternoon, there was a fire at Mackay ice rink which may not allow for the rink to be reopened until next year. B’chasdei Hashem no one was seriously injured from the fire. Although the remainder of the season is in question at this time, the fourth annual Rapid Fire tournament raising awareness and funds for the Friendship Circle will be held this Sunday 4:30-8:15 at the Barnabas Health Hockey House at the Prudential Center.
Hopefully, next year will bring more athletes to the ice whether to hone their skills or begin to learn how to play this great game and create even more opportunities for kids to find new and innovative ways to give tzedaka and back to their community.
