As you entered the ice rink at Mackay Park early Sunday evening, the posted schedule board said it all:

“Ramaz/Monsey 5:00, Frisch 6:45, TABC 8:45.”

From 5:00 p.m. to almost 10:00 p.m., the ice was being occupied by yeshiva high school players from all over the area for games and practices. This is how it will be for the next five months as more and more hockey players hit the ice with their skates and full equipment.

The puck dropped between Ramaz and Monsey (a new addition) and it officially began the second season of yeshiva ice hockey at Mackay Park. Both teams played cautiously for a good part of a tight first period until Freilich put Ramaz up 1-0 with four minutes left in the first period. Matthew Gurewitsch scored two goals in the second period to increase the Ramaz lead to 3-0 after two. However, the Monsey Hawks still kept on pressing, as they had numerous two on one opportunities and a few goal posts, but just could not cash in. Gurewitsch completed the hat trick and Eitan Linhart added another as Ramaz came out on top for a 5-0 final. E.J. Singer stopped all 29 shots for the shutout, William Kremer had three assists and Jack Ottensoser also had an assist.

Both teams competed hard and the improvement in skills was evident. For the Monsey squad, you wouldn’t know it by watching them, but this was their first venture into organized play. Coach Gabriel Jacobsen said “This was our group’s first competitive style hockey game and the boys had an amazing experience. They are ecstatic to be playing with their yeshiva counterparts and to be part of this. It is a great outlet for them and they are improving their teamwork and leadership skills.”

They get to practice and then do it again in a few weeks. Next week’s game features TABC vs SAR.