Sportorama has been the main home for many Monsey area hockey players. “Sporto” as it is affectionately known, has in the past few years, seen an incredible surge in youth and adult learn to skate/play hockey programs. There are also no less than five adult hockey games taking place there every week.

While the area high school boys had plenty of opportunity to learn to skate and play, the only games available to them were pick-up games—until this year. In August, I led a group of high school students into the second year yeshiva league at Mackay Park in Englewood, where they would play against teams made up of students from Ramaz, SAR, TABC, Frisch, Kushner and JEC. At first, with seemingly only a few players, the plan was to merge with another existing team. However, once the team was announced—players came forth wanting to play. What started out as a few, quickly turned to eight and then jumped to 16 players from Heichal, Shaarei Torah and MTA. The boys made it clear—they wanted a team of their own. A team name was chosen—they would be called the “Hawks.” Logo designed, jerseys ordered shortly thereafter and they were ready to hit the ice!

Playing in games proved to be a big adjustment, but the players were up to the challenge. Their effort was apparent. There were more practices and players joined the adults for open hockey. The team was rewarded for their hard work as the games became tighter and extremely competitive as the season went on.

The team members are keeping busy this spring with more practice time and pick up games. They are already looking forward to competing again next year.

By Gabriel Jacobson