The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Gavriel Saks as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Gavriel is an eighth grader at Yeshivat Noam and one of the captains of the Noam Knights Hockey team that is looking to make some noise heading into the playoffs. He had another great game Monday night where he scored two of the Noam Knight’s four goals vs. the Kushner Cobras. When asked about Gavriel, his coach Alan Teller told The Jewish Link, “Gavriel is a total team player: co-captain, leads by example, huge mentsch. He works hard to always keep improving. He is always making the right play and helping out his teammates—and always has a great attitude.”
Gavriel, congrats on the great season and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
My brother Yaakov is my role model. He pushes me to do better and be the best that I can be.
What is your favorite sport?
Hockey is my favorite sport. I grew up playing and watching hockey with my two older brothers.
What is your pregame routine?
Shooting around to loosen up.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
One of my greatest sports accomplishments is scoring my first goal as a Noam Knight in a game vs. WTA.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Henrik Lundqvist is my favorite professional athlete. I am a big Rangers fan. He has been the Rangers’ goalie since I became a fan. He is a leader of New York (#King Henrik) and is determined to win and be the best that he can be.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is scoring four goals against SAR in one game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is my first TABC Jr. Hockey game when I was in third grade
What is the weirdest thing that happened to you while playing sports?
My weirdest sports memory is playing with no fans to start the season.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
My favorite thing to do when I’m not playing sports is hanging out with friends and family.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best part of being a Sportstar is being recognized for doing something I love.
Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].