By Daniel Jaffe
As the heat of summer begins and schools wrap up their semesters, the Jewish sports scene has almost completely quieted down. However on Sunday, June 25, people can grab one last glimpse of exciting sports activity, all while helping support an amazing cause. The event is the annual HASC Hockey Tournament, a round robin featuring teams complete with alumni representing their various Yeshiva League high schools.
The games will take place over the course of the day, starting at 9 a.m. and culminating with the championship games at 3 p.m. Games will be spread out between four different locations in the Teaneck and Paramus area, with RYNJ, Yeshivat Noam, Ma’ayanot and TABC joining together to host. Fans are encouraged to come and enjoy the games, with additional attractions including bouncy houses and a carnival to keep all family members entertained.
This year’s tournament will feature 12 teams, an exciting return to a total that had previously dropped to nine due to covid restrictions. These teams are separated into groups of three, with each team playing two games to determine their spots in the following rounds. While the eight teams with the best records will contend for the Tier I championship, the four remaining teams will still get to play further, competing for the Tier II championship instead. This ensures all teams at least one elimination game, maximizing the excitement for everyone involved.
With some of the best players from around the Yeshiva League returning to the courts, the hockey itself is bound to be exciting. Last year’s champions, HAFTR, will no doubt have high expectations to defend their title. TABC and DRS, two teams who themselves have previously won championships, are bound to put up a good fight. Always an interesting inclusion, Team Canada, composed of players based on their home country rather than high school, could surprise many due to their potentially unexpected proficiency. With that said, all teams have what to look forward to and none can be counted out just yet.
More important than winning on the court is the work these teams are doing off of it. Each individual player, as well as the teams as a whole, work together to fundraise for the amazing Camp HASC. While many have certainly heard of the camp, this tournament serves as a great introduction for those who haven’t.
Every summer, hundreds of exceptional, selfless staff members head to a New York campsite to provide a truly special summer for children with special needs. This fundraiser looks to raise money for this camp, which not only creates an impactful summer for these children, but for the families of these children and the hardworking staff as well. Going even further, the fundraiser and tournament are driven by the community as a whole, with the goal of allowing each and every person to contribute and feel a part of the Camp HASC “magic.”
Camp HASC encourages everyone to come and support the cause, whether through the tournament, the fundraiser or even Camp HASC itself. HASC invites people to experience the beauty of the camp firsthand, whether it be this summer or a future one. Even if not attending the camp, this fundraiser and tournament is a great way to join the community in further growing this amazing program, all while offering an enjoyable, fun summer outing for family and friends.
