The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 13-year-old Eli Brickman as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The eighth grader at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy is “brick” wall that carried the Kushner Cobras to the YMSSA championship game last week. In the championship game he turned away dozens of shots on goal, before the RYNJ Jaguars were able to get one by him. JKHA hockey coach Paul Reiz told the JLNJ, “Eli is a very focused goalie. He had a big role to play this season, considering that he did not get much time the season before as the backup goalie. However, he stepped in and brought us to the championship game.
During the broadcast of the championship game, referring to Brickman, one of the broadcasters said something to the effect of “One lucky high school is about to get a terrific goalie.”
Eli who is your role model and why?
My hockey coach. Even though he has no kids on our team, he dedicates countless hours helping us become better players. He always encourages us to try our hardest and brings out the best in our team.
What is your favorite sport?
Hockey.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I hit a walk off single to drive in my older brother from third base during a semi-final game in our town’s baseball league. We then went on to win the championship.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Laurent Brossoit, one of the Winnipeg Jets’ goalies. Laurent is my role model because even though he started as a backup goalie, he proved that he had the capability of leading the team as one of the two starting goalies. Now, he shares the goaltending responsibilities with Connor Hellebuyck, and they are leading the Jets to a great season.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
I listen to pump-up music to get me hyped and focused for the game. I then talk over a game plan with my teammates to make sure we are all in sync. Then they take practice shots on me.
What is your earliest sport memory?
I remember playing on a Little Kickers soccer team in West Orange. We had a big end of season ceremony, where each player received their own trophy.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing goalie?
During our last playoff game, a player took a shot on net. I couldn’t see the shot very well, and I thought that the ball went into the goal. However, it turned out that ball ended up in a fold of my shirt just below my elbow.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Winning our semi-final game against a very talented Moriah team, and being smothered by my teammates when they jumped on me after the game.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
I like to help out around the house. I enjoy making pancakes on Sunday mornings, making crepes for lunch, and taking care of my little sister.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I can be a role model for others and show them that even though something looks hard, you can achieve anything you want if you put your mind to it
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
