In a thrilling showdown between the reigning YMSSA Girls Hockey champions—the Yavneh Redhawks—and the determined Noam Knights, fans were treated to a defensive masterclass and a display of incredible skill and heart. For two and a half periods, the scoreboard remained locked at 0–0, as both teams brought fierce intensity and tenacious defense to the court.
Despite facing two penalties that gave Yavneh crucial power play opportunities, the Knights held firm. A standout moment came in the second period when Noam goalie Tali Sladowsky made a sensational save on a blistering shot from Laila Nagel, denying what looked like a sure goal and keeping the Redhawks off the board.
Yavneh’s offense, led by Nagel and Stella Welfeld, kept pressing with relentless attacks. On the defensive end, Ariella Kieffer, Tamar Adams, Maya Lavi, Yardena Teigman, and Ella Horwitz worked cohesively to neutralize Noam’s advances.
The momentum shifted toward Noam in the third period. After Gabby Weisberg’s strong shot was blocked by Yavneh goalie Ashira Sokol, Orly Hoffer pounced on the rebound and launched a high shot to score the game’s first goal.
Nili Rothenberg was a dual threat, standing tall on defense and unleashing dangerous shots throughout the game. Abby Herman anchored Noam’s defensive core, repeatedly shutting down Yavneh’s efforts through the middle.
Noam’s second line—Michal Berkowitz, Liana Sulimanoff, Nessya Edell, and Hadassah Brothman—played a pivotal role during the game’s longest and most critical stretch. Their composed and disciplined play ran down the clock and prevented any chance of a Yavneh comeback.
With just two minutes remaining, Noam’s first line returned to the court—and so did Orly Hoffer, who delivered once again with a sharp-angle goal to make it 2–0. In a final effort to turn the tide, Yavneh pulled their goalie. But Hoffer capitalized on the empty net, completing her hat trick and sealing a 3–0 victory for the Knights.
Tali Sladowsky earned a hard-fought shutout, turning away every shot and standing as a wall in goal. Offensively, Dassie Stein. Ruby Breda and Sophie Friedman contributed crucial plays and energy that helped tilt the game in Noam’s favor.
Although the final score was decisive, the game was anything but one-sided. Yavneh showed why they were last year’s champions, pushing Noam to their limits and displaying tremendous grit and sportsmanship.
This win marks a historic moment for the Noam Girls Hockey team. The last time they captured the title in 2011, many of today’s players hadn’t even been born.
A heartfelt yasher koach to both teams, their schools, and coaches—Coach Aliza, Coach Ross and Leora Sulimanoff (AKA Coach S)—for their dedication, passion, and leadership.
Special thanks to the YMSSA team—Dovey Forman, Dov Elefant, and Abie Cohen—for their flawless organization and unwavering support in making this memorable event possible.
