For the third year in a row, the Macs are headed to the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national tournament. After another successful regular season followed by an impressive run at the regional tournament, the boys will head to Rochester on April 9, for another shot at the national title.
After a sub-par first half, Yeshiva stormed back after winter break and ended the regular season on a five game winning streak, including an upset of the #2 team in the country. Ending the season at 10-2-2 with 22 points, the Macs finished tied for fourth place in the ECRHA but just two points from a second place finish.
In addition to the strong finish, the boys had other things to be proud of as well: they surrendered the second fewest goals in the conference, were finalists for the sportsmanship award, won the scholar athlete of the year (captain Benjy Shulman) and had an all-star (Daniel Bordan)!
Following the regular season, the team traveled out to Feasterville, Pennsylvania for the ECRHA regional tournament, which was a success once again. After two regular season losses against Hofstra, the boys got their revenge with a dominating win in the opening game. A loss to the #1 nationally ranked Endicott college sent the Macs to the consolation game against Temple University, another team YU fell to during the regular season. But more shut-down play by Yeshiva resulted in a big win and gave the boys a bounty of confidence for an at-large bid going into selection Monday.
The team gathered the following Monday night for a listening party to hear their fates. After a few shout-outs on the league radio show, the bids were announced and sure enough Yeshiva was selected.
The Maccabees had successful runs in the tournament the last two years but ultimately fell in the elite eight to the eventual champion both times. But after a season of hard work, the boys hoped that this year will be different and Yeshiva University will finally hoist the national title!
The Macs kick off pool play on April 10 at 10 a.m. vs. James Madison University. Make sure to follow their journey (and games!) on social media at @yurollerhockey
By Aryeh Minsky
