By Daniel Jaffe

Readers of The Jewish Link may know that floor hockey is a staple of Yeshiva League sports, but how many knew that the Czech Republic had its own tournament for the sport? Ethan Alter certainly did, as he managed to turn his time on the high school courts into an opportunity to represent his country and score a meaningful family trip along the way too. Alter, a resident of Englewood, has been playing floor hockey for years at both Moriah and Frisch, and recently participated in the U18 Ball Hockey World Junior Tournament in Liberac, Czech Republic.

It should be noted however, that the floor hockey played across the world is, as Alter describes it, a “completely different game” than that which is played by middle and high schoolers in our communities. “Yeshiva league is a 4-on-4 game in a gym while this was 5-on-5 in a hockey rink,” he explained.

While attending Camp Dovid, Alter was first presented with this opportunity when approached by Dan Caldwell, a scout for the United States Ball Hockey Association. After some deliberation, Alter decided to attend the tryout and successfully made the team. Alter shared his appreciation with being a part of the team, while also noting the “tremendous commitment” involved with attending practices quite far from home in Pennsylvania or Massachusetts.

This tournament situated Alter in a unique role, having the opportunity to represent two core aspects of his life, the United States and the Jewish community. On representing these two core parts of his life, Alter remarked, “As an athlete, I take great pride in wearing the American jersey and competing against the best players from around the world. Additionally, being able to represent the Jewish community allows me to showcase the talent and strength of our community on a global stage.”

With the tournament taking place in the Czech Republic, Alter and his family took the opportunity to make the trip all the more meaningful. Joining them on the trip was Alter’s grandmother, Judith Mannheimer Alter Kallman, a Holocaust survivor and author of “A Candle in the Heart,” a retelling of her experiences. When Alter wasn’t playing hockey, the family visited their grandmother’s hometowns, leaving a copy in various Jewish museums and heritage centers to help share her important story. “It was a chance to learn more about my family history and pay tribute to my heritage,” Alter related. “It was a truly special aspect of the trip that I will cherish forever.”

Although the United States team did not win, Alter was still able to demonstrate his abilities, scoring an impressive three goals and four assists while helping the team earn two wins. Alter is now another one of many recent Jewish athletes representing their religion on sports’ highest stages. “Their determination and passion serve as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams,” Alter said, touching on these athletes. He encouraged those like him to pursue their goals, “I firmly believe that if anyone harbors aspirations in the realm of sports, they should wholeheartedly go for it.”

Daniel Jaffe, a Jewish Link intern, is a rising junior at Yeshiva University who lives in Teaneck.