The TABC Storm JV hockey season began on the first day of school with 50 students trying out for 23 spots on the team. Within a week the 23 players had been selected. After their selection, the team embarked upon two months of grueling practices. Twice a week the team met and worked on their skills. The defense worked on backhand clears, positioning, passing and shooting. The offense worked on passing, shooting and picking up the correct man in the defensive zone. Getting a little cranky from practice after practice, the team was glad to see the first game arrive against local rival the Frisch Cougars. TABC came out victorious, 3-0, with goals by Akiva Hain, Eli Spinowitz and Avraham Gellman. The defense played an outstanding game led by Yechiel Keiser, Andy Katz, Yonatan Naor, Isaac Shapiro and Matthew Ganchrow.
Game two saw the TABC Storm go on the road to play the Kushner Cobras, resulting in a 9-1 win for TABC. Goals were scored by Avraham Gellman, Eli Schiff, Avinoam Wizman, Akiva Hain, Eli Spinowitz, Ving Levy, Shlomo Gellman and Dovy Fuchs. Also getting into the game and contributing were Avi Klar, Natan Rifkind, Benji Meiner, Ben Englander, Jake Rothenberg and Ezra Seplowitz. The goaltending in the first two games was stellar with Avrumi Davis in the net in game one and Charles Gibber between the pipes in game two.
Game three was a trip to Riverdale to play the SAR Sting which resulted in a 5-2 victory. Davis did a fine job in net and Keiser got his first goal of the season. The rest of the scoring was done by Gellman and Hain as they netted two apiece. It was especially satisfying for Hain as he had played his middle school ball at SAR. Once again the defense was up to the task in a very tough game with Keiser, Katz and Naor playing the bulk of the third period. Helping them out on D were Shapiro and Ganchrow, who played significant minutes early in the game.
Game four was a 4-0 shutout of MTA. The game saw the return of ET Dubin who had sustained a concussion over the summer. Spinowitz led the scoring with a pair of goals. Hain and Schiff chipped in with one apiece to complete the scoring. Gibber recorded the shutout in net.
Game five was a 3-1 home victory against SAR. Gellman scored, Keiser notched his second and Englander got his first.
Game six was a 3-0 victory against Ramaz. This game saw the full-time return of Dubin, which really solidified an already strong TABC defense.
Game seven saw the Storm go to Paramus to play the Cougars. In a very tight well-played game TABC picked up their only blemish to date. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. The Storm had many chances to put in the game winner but failed to do so.
Game eight vs. JEC was a chance for TABC to clinch the division, which they did with a 2-1 victory. Freshman Yoel Jacobsen got his first big chance in net, playing the final two periods. He stood up well to the pressure and helped bring home the victory.
Game nine was a long trip to Uniondale to play HANC. The Storm recorded a 5-0 victory with Charles Gibber in net. The Gellman boys scored one apiece with the rest of the scoring done by Hain, Schiff and Levy.
The final game of the year saw the undefeated DRS Wildcats, the number one team in the east, come to play the number one team in the west. In a terrific battle, TABC came out on top, 3-2.
The Storm gave up only nine goals all season, which shows what a great job their defense did. Congrats to Yeichel Keiser, Andy Katz, ET Dubin, Yonatan Naor, Isaac Shapiro, Matthew Ganchrow, Avi Klar, Benji Meiner, Natan Rifkind and Dovy Fuchs. Next up for the Storm is a quarter final battle against Flatbush at home. Sideline reporter Jordan Rothenberg asked Coach Norm if the Storm was playoff ready. Show up on the 28th of February and get the answer.
