Hockey is a game of precision, and I got a firsthand lesson during Yeshiva University's ice hockey practice. After my first practice last week, I was eager to return to the ice. Edge drills were on the agenda, and I had put in extra practice before to prepare. However, as we got into it, I rushed through the drills.
Thankfully, one of my teammates noticed and offered valuable advice. "It's not about speed; it's about form," he said. That helped me refocus, and I gradually improved as practice continued.
We also worked on shooting drills, and I quickly realized that keeping my head up is crucial for accurate shots. I knew that, but I had to do it and struggled. It was tough. It was a theme for the evening, as I strived to get this fundamental aspect right.
During passing drills, I was paired with Raphael Snowball again, and our coach affectionately labeled us "Practice squad guys." It was all in good fun, and I embraced the challenge.
Yet the highlight of the practice was when Naussbaum demonstrated breakouts like a pro. Sol Feder was amazed, and Ariel Greenberg nominated him for assistant coach. Naussbaum's preparedness and understanding of the drills from last week stood out.
As practice continued, I noticed Ethan M., a teammate who brought incredible energy to the session. One of the standout moments was when someone blocked a powerful shot during 3-on-3 drills. It was a remarkable display of teamwork and determination.
I had my moments too, as our side won 1-0, thanks to a goal scored by Ariel Greenberg. However, I couldn't help but think I missed an earlier opportunity. I realized that taking an extra second to assess the situation and keep my head up could have made a difference. It's a reminder of the mental aspect of the game and the importance of patience and situational awareness.
We wrapped up practice with a bag skate, a challenging yet essential part of our training. It was a reminder that hard work and perseverance are crucial to success in hockey. So, it's onto the next practice, where I hope to continue improving and show my hockey IQ. It’s been a tough start. I think the biggest thing for me, aside from the skating, is keeping my head up. I think the problem and why I have it down is because I don’t want the puck to slip off my stick. That’s a mental thing, and I know it. On the bright side, it'll get better.
As a team, we know we won't be good, but our team is more than the scoreboard. We're the first orthodox Jewish college ice hockey team, and we should take pride in that. Our journey is about much more than wins and losses; it's about breaking new ground in a tradition-rich sport, carrying the spirit of Yeshiva University on the ice. While the challenges are many, our determination is stronger. This season, we're forging a path that future generations of athletes can follow, and that, in itself, is a victory worth celebrating.
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