The Ma’ayanot Rapids (7-2-1) had their championship dreams dashed by the defending champions, the Heschel Heat (8-2), 1-0, in a thrilling game played on May 23. The semi-final was played at Teaneck in front of a large crowd of fans.

Heschel is responsible for Ma’ayanot’s only two losses this season: Once in the regular season (3-2 in New York), once in the playoffs.

The Heat scored their only goal midway through the first period on an unassisted backhander. Ma’ayanot junior goalie Tamar Pasternak held off dozens of shots throughout the game, but that score was all Heschel needed.

Heschel’s strategy was ball management and running down the clock, starting in the second period. They also successfully held off the Rapids’ power play (on the game’s only penalty) in the second period.