The Frisch Cougars took on the Ramaz Rams on Sunday June 8 at Yeshivat Noam. This would mark the second year in a row that these two teams would face off for the championship and third straight appearance for Frisch. Once again Ramaz came into the championship as the #3 seed. This time going 6-1-1 with their only regulation loss all season coming at the hands of Frisch, a 2-1 loss in Ramaz. Frisch on the other hand came in as the #1 seed after going a perfect 8-0 in the regular season.
Ramaz’s path to the championship went first through Kushner the #6 seed with a 3-1 win in the quarterfinals. Then they went on the road in the semi’s to the #2 seed HAFTR Hawks, (the East division winner) where they pulled out a 3-2 win on a late breakaway goal. Frisch had a bye in the quarterfinals and then faced off against the #4 seeded Maayanot Rapids in the Semi’s. Frisch secured their ticket to the championship with a powerful 1-0 victory that was not quite as close as the score indicated.
This season marked sort of a new era for Frisch as half their championship team graduated last year. The main hold overs being star Junior Assistant Captains; starting goalie Lily Acton and offensive Gaby Hoffer, as well as last year’s breakout Freshman, Sophomore defenseman Tali Hamburger and Jordana Rosenfield.
Several other Sophomores took up the mantle handed to them and shined in breakout seasons. Offensman Gabriella Butler joined the aforementioned players to round out the extremely talented first line. Laya Rosenberg and Emma Abish combined to become the most dominant offensive second line in the league. Sophomore Becca Shatzkes along with lone Senior Assistant Captain Liana Goldberger provided stellar defense and leadership in backing the second line.
Other significant contributions throughout the season came from Sophomore Offensman Yocheved Nagel with her relentless ball pursuit and linemates Junior Shira Levenson and Freshman Sophie Bistritsky. On defense Freshman Jordi Seigel emerged as a top tier defenseman alongside fellow Freshman linemate Abby Stamler. Junior Deborah Puro and Freshman Maddy Shazkes made their mark as well. It should be noted that it was the contributions of every team player, pushing each other, giving maximum effort in practices which ultimately drove the team to success.
The anticipation for the championship was high as these were clearly the top two teams featuring the top two goalies along with the league’s premier talent.
Frisch got off to a hot start in the first, putting on a lot of pressure. Ramaz in turn took several penalties in the first period leading to some excellent scoring chances for Frisch but Ramaz held firm, backed in net by Lucy Rosenfeld. Towards the end of the period, the Ramaz penalty killing unit excelled and managed to get several good scoring opportunities but Lily was ready and turned each one aside.
In the second period Frisch started on the Powerplay with a carryover penalty from the first. Frisch had some excellent chances but couldn’t capitalize. The period featured some exceptional opportunities for both teams but neither team could find the back of the net. With a little over a minute left in the second, Frisch was called for holding. Hoffer, Hamburger and Rosenfield were outstanding on the penalty kill and didn’t give up a shot on net. The period ended knotted at 0-0 and Frisch felt the momentum heading into the third period.
Frisch still had 14 seconds to kill off to start the third period. The penalty expired and Frisch was now at full strength. Just 16 seconds later Hoffer would come breaking into the offensive zone with speed. She decked forehand then went to the backhand and roofed a shot top corner for the incredible goal and a 1-0 lead. Feeling the frustration Ramaz took 2 quick penalties giving Frisch a 4 on 2 for a minute and twelve seconds. The Ramaz defenders along with Rosenfeld’s incredible goaltending held Frisch off the board and gained some needed momentum. Just 45 seconds after the last penalty expired Livy Zwillinger would streak down the right side and snap off a bullet that hit the back bar tying the game at one all with 8:44 remaining.
Frisch did not let the goal get them down as they knew they had a job to do and were determined to get it done. Frisch pushed back with some solid scoring opportunities and Ramaz would counter with their own. With 1:14 remaining on the clock Gaby Hoffer came down the left side and got off a low shot on net. The ball squeezed out to the right side where Gabriella Butler banged home the ball for the late 2-1 lead.
Ramaz immediately called a timeout and pulled their goalie to give them a 5 on 4 advantage. Frisch’s top line was up to the task and shut down Ramaz the rest of the way, not allowing another shot. Ramaz took another penalty in the closing seconds and Frisch closed out the game as 3Peat Champions. Gaby Hoffer won MVP honors with a goal and an assist. With only one player graduating, next season looks extremely bright for the Frisch Cougars.
