The Yeshiva University roller hockey team has had an incredible start to the 2016-17 season, despite facing obstacles. After having a successful first year, winning the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) Division IV championship in 2015-16, Yeshiva was promoted to Division II.
The change in level has not fazed the team, as Yeshiva is currently at 5-1, earning wins against Penn State (5-3), Drexel University (10-5), Oswego State (5-4), Villanova University (6-5) and Endicott College (6-4). The Maccabees are currently in second place in the latest Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association standings.
The student-athletes are having a great experience competing in the highly competitive division. “Being able to represent YU and the Yeshiva community has been something that has totally changed my college experience,” forward Ari Drazin said. Defenseman Michael Fruchter concurred with Drazin’s point of view. “This is an extremely unique opportunity that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Yeshiva dominated Division II competition, despite having to play four games in a single day, while other teams only play once per day. “We have to play exclusively on Sundays due to the Sabbath, a reality that all the other teams do not have to do,” team captain Amir Gavarin said. “The Maccabees have to play multiple contests on Sunday in order to keep up with other teams in terms of games played per season.
While most teams practice six to ten hours a week, Yeshiva can only practice two hours weekly due to school and Sabbath restrictions. Plus, the Maccabees could not compete in any preseason games due to the contests occurring during the holiday break in October.
Despite all of the obstacles, Yeshiva has been one of the top teams in Division II and hope to have a national ranking when the next poll comes out.
“I think the lasting impact we want to have is for the Jewish community and students of YU to know that they can compete, and more importantly succeed, against larger and more recognized schools,” Gavarin said.
(yumacs.com)
