The Yeshiva University Maccabees deliver a roller hockey masterclass, led by Rosenblatt and the Levy duos stellar performance. Mintz's exceptional saves secure a resounding 9-2 victory against the Blue Line Bandits.
The Yeshiva University Maccabees roller hockey team hit the rink once more in ISCA play last on Wednesday, aiming to glide smoother than a Zamboni after their narrow 6-5 win over the Raging Minos last week. Facing off against the Blue Line Bandits, who were 3-2 and only a wrist shot away from the first-place Macs, it promised to be a game as thrilling as a sudden breakaway. Yet little did the Bandits know what they were about to roll into.
Rosenblatt and the Levy’s Shine, Mintz's Stellar Saves lead YU Victory:
About 6 minutes into the game, the Macs struck first, making it 1-0. Zach Levy and Gabe Rosenblatt combined like a pair of seasoned ice cream scoopers, serving up a Bandits turnover to give the Macs an early lead. However, Zach Levy pulled a move so rare it's like a goalie doing the Macarena – a penalty! The Bandits capitalized on the power play, tying it up with a Rob Belfi slapshot that had more speed than a runaway Zamboni. Tensions then boiled over as Dan Pelcher and YU superstar Sol Feder decided to drop the gloves and dance like a pair of figure skaters in a fistfight. They exchanged fists, gloves, and words, earning themselves a longer time in the penalty box than it takes to microwave popcorn. The period ended tied at 1-1, with shots 12-8 in favor of the Macs.
In the second period, the Maccabees decided to bring their A-puck game, and turned the contest into a comedy on wheels. It was like a game of "pass the puck" at a family roller rink,
Some slick puck passing resulted in Zach Levy finding Avraham Gellman, who then connected with his partner in crime, Eli Spinowitz, for a 2-1 Yeshiva lead. Two minutes later, Zach Levy and Benji Froom reunited for a goal, showing chemistry as strong as the grip on a hockey stick. Right off the ensuing faceoff, Benji Froom forced a turnover and executed a breakaway with more nifty moves than a breakdancer on roller skates, putting the Macs up 4-1. The Bandits tried to put on the brakes, but it was like trying to stop a roller skater on a downhill slope. This is what a first-place team looks like, as YU put the "Mac" in "Maccabees." They added another goal before the period ended, with EITAN Levy scoring his 10th goal in four games, which is more consistent than a referee's whistle. Shots were 11-9 in the second period, and the Bandits couldn't get past Mintz in the Yeshiva net.
In the third period, the Bandits came out with the intensity of a roller hockey puck hitting the post, controlling the play. The YU defense weathered the storm, and Rob Belfi managed to score his second goal, giving his team a glimmer of hope as bright as the wheels under the arena lights. Yet that hope was as short-lived as a speed bump on a roller hockey track. The Macs got back to their game plan, controlled the play, and outmatched the Bandits in physicality and tenacity. They were always a step ahead, and it soon showed on the scoreboard like a goal light flashing.
A flat-footed Dan Pelcher was boxed for tripping, and Yeshiva's power play, which was as lethal as a hat-trick in a roller derby match, made them pay. Spinowitz found Zach Levy, who set up captain Yoni Drazin for a one-timer, extending the YU lead to 6-2. Just a minute later, a give-and-go resulted with Spinowitz, putting another touchdown on the scoreboard. YU wasn’t ready to stop there; EITAN Levy completed his hat trick, before Rosenblatt bookended the scoresheet with a Michigan goal of his own. When the final whistle blew, the first-place Macs skated away with a 9-2 victory, leaving the Bandits more battered than a roller hockey puck in an overtime thriller. Mintz made 22 saves on 24 shots, a performance as solid as a defenseman blocking a shot. Talk about making a "puck-tacular" statement, boys!
Three Stars of the game:
Zach Levy: 6 assists
EITAN Levy 3 goals
Gabe “Big game Gabe” Rosenblatt: 2 goals 1 assist
Unsung Hero: Micheal Mintz, 22 saves
Mintz's consistent performance, stopping 22 of 24 shots, was the backbone of the Maccabees' victory. He provided the stability and confidence the team needed to secure their dominant win, making him the unsung hero of the game.
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