Ladies and gentlemen, hockey fans and roller enthusiasts, the Yeshiva University roller hockey Maccabees have stormed back onto the rink with a bang! After a seemingly endless offseason, the Maccabees couldn't wait to hit the Inline Skating Club of America in New Jersey for the start of the 2023-24 season.
Last season, they were the young guns of Division III, surprising everyone by reaching the elite eight of nationals, thanks to a clutch goal from Yonah Suissa that sent NO5 Colorado packing. Yet, despite their impressive run, the lingering sting of their loss to Florida during the summer break left them craving more. Star winger Zach Levy, the driving force behind their social media revival, summed it up best while enjoying his time in Israel: "I'm having an awesome time right now. Nothing could be better, except a natty's title."
Zach Levy wasn't the only one enjoying life in the Holy Land; he was on a mission. His target: Sol Feder, the 20-year-old two-way star from Boston. Feder had spent the last couple of years studying in Yeshiva in Israel, but it was his performance on the ice that made Levy sit up and take notice. Feder had notched four goals and nine points in 21 games in the top-tier professional hockey league in Israel, the IEHL. With excitement in his voice, Feder said pregame, "The vibes are high, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
As the team prepared for the new season, goaltender Michael Mintz made it clear that there were no excuses this time around. With their three biggest conference rivals, including National champion Neuman and runner-up Quinnipiac, and Boston, moving up to Division Two of the NCRHA, the path to the Eastern division crown appeared clearer, with only Oswego and Temple posing potential threats.
With a core that was a year older and wiser, the Maccabees were poised for a spectacular season in both ISCA and the NCRHA. Their first test came against an expansion team, the Narcs. The Maccabees had a message to send - they wanted to establish dominance from the get-go.
In the first period, the Yeshiva University roller hockey Maccabees burst onto the rink like a team of well-trained penguins. Zach Levy, clearly believing he was in a "slapstick" comedy, scored just 2:56 into the game with an unassisted goal. Sol Feder, making his Yeshiva debut, showed he had the "ice-cool" demeanor of a seasoned pro, swiftly following with a goal thanks to a sweet pass from Zach Levy. Eli Spinowitz joined the fun by adding to the tally with an impressive goal, finishing a play set up by Avraham Gellman and Zach Levy, who notched his third consecutive assist of the period. The first period wrapped up with Sol Feder firing a one-timer into the net with just 1:17 remaining, assisted by EITAN Levy, leaving the audience in stitches.
Moving into the second period, Feder continued to have the "funny bone" on his side, scoring his second goal just 2:37 into the frame, with an assist from defensive star Gabe Rosenblatt. Feder's remarkable night turned into a slapstick masterpiece as he completed a hat trick in his Yeshiva University debut, showcasing his skills with a stunning toe-drag move before hilariously elevating the puck past the goaltender for the tally. However, just 11 seconds after Feder's comedic masterpiece, he found himself in the penalty box, serving a 2-minute interference penalty. It wasn't unfamiliar territory for Feder, who had accumulated 84 penalty minutes in 10 IEHL games in the previous season according to Eliteprospects.com.
Narcas seized the opportunity and promptly scored their first franchise goal, with Tom Corcoran providing the punchline.
Yeshiva University wasn't finished with the comedy act, though, as EITAN Levy went bar down on the Narcas netminder, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. EITAN Levy struck again, this time tipping home a shot from Zach Levy, who was set up by Feder on a delayed Narcas penalty, much to the crowd's amusement. Eli Spinowitz continued the comedy show, pulling off a series of fancy stickhandling moves before scoring. The goal came a mere 28 seconds after EITAN's slapstick goal. The laughter peaked with EITAN Levy completing his hat trick, thanks to a setup from Sol Feder and Avraham Gellman, making it 10-1, causing even the referees to crack a smile.
Entering the third period, Sol Feder wasn't done yet, scoring his fifth goal of the night just 1:59 into the period, capping off a remarkable 7-point performance. EITAN Levy wasn't far behind, as he netted his fourth goal, assisted by Avraham Gellman and Yoniah Suissa, 49 seconds after Sol's goal. The scoring wrapped up with Zach Levy adding his second goal of the night, making it 13-1, thanks to assists from EITAN Levy and Yoniah Suissa.
In the final moments of the game, things got a bit heated when Kyle Wolf attempted to pull off a dirty move by slashing Spinowitz in the face. EITAN Levy didn't hesitate to defend his teammate and charged Wolf. It showed that even in the heat of the battle, friendships prevail.
When the final buzzer sounded, Yeshiva University emerged victorious with a dominant 13-1 win, outshooting the Narcs 24-13. Goaltender Michael Mintz showcased his composure with 12 saves on 13 shots, an impressive performance, especially considering his early 6:30 AM tee time on the golf course with his YU golf teammates the following morning.
In the jubilant locker room after the feel-good victory, Avraham Gellman expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Sol Feder added a playful note to the celebration, saying, "Only reason I joined the squad was to see Mintz naked in the room."
As the Macs head into the holiday break, they've left their fans with a marvelous first impression, eager to continue their winning ways when they return to action in October.
Three Stars of the Game:
. Sol Feder (5 goals, 2 assists) (Macs debut)
. EITAN Levy (4 goals, 1 assist)
. Zach Levy (2 goals, 3 assists)
Unsung Hero of the Night:
Michael Mintz, for his stellar performance in goal, making 12 crucial saves and maintaining his composure, even with an early tee time the next morning!
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