The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 16-year-old Jesse Koppel as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The sophomore at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School was a key contributor on the Kushner Cobras JV championship hockey team earlier this year. Rabbi Richard Kirsch, athletic director at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School told the JLNJ, “Jesse is a coaches dream. He’s a fearless player who has a team mindset. He’s a coach on the court. He’s also the type of player that has a great attitude.”
Jesse, yashar koach on the championship and another great season. Who is your role model and why?
My dad. He comes to all of my hockey games and all of my sisters’ sports games. He never misses them and is always supportive of us.
What is your favorite sport?
I play both hockey and baseball. While I have always loved playing hockey, my favorite sport to play is baseball. My favorite professional sport to watch is hockey.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Winning Kushner’s first ever MYHSAL boys JV hockey championship in triple overtime this year.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Mat Barzal. He is on my favorite hockey team, the New York Islanders. He is such a fast skater, so he is a fun player to watch.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
Listen to music and take many shots on our goalies.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My first season playing in a floor hockey league, in 2012, my team won the championship. Many of my current Cobra JV teammates were also on that team including Itai Merlin, Jason Singer and Ethan Moses.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory was my first yeshiva league championship when the undefeated Kushner middle school Cobras won the championship two years ago.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Watching Netflix or hanging out with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
As a Sportstar, I am able to highlight my entire RKYHS JV hockey team. I also get to publicly acknowledge my amazing teammates, our excellent coach, Paul Reiz and especially the fans for cheering us on throughout the season.
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].
By JLNJ Sports Desk
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