Friday, August 2, 2013

Masters Update - August 2, 2013

19th Maccabiah Games, Ice Hockey - Masters, Gold Medalists

2013 Maccabiah Games, USA Hockey Team, Masters Division

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Masters Update - July 24, 2013


Over the past four days, we have competed in four games.  As mentioned in a previous post, our first game was a tough loss to Team Canada.  A last second surge gave us a great opportunity to tie it up at the final buzzer, but we unfortunately came up short.  Our second game was a matchup against Russia, which unfortunately resulted in an 11-6 loss; we felt like we had some good chances, but in the end they were the better team that day.  In the third game, we played the host country – Team Israel.  They gave us a very good test, as they have with all teams, but we were able to pull out our first victory of the tournament.  It was good to get a win under our belt before we moved out of the round robin portion of the tourney and into the playoff rounds.  

With a 1-2 record and the #3 seed going into the playoffs, we had a rematch with the #2 seed Team Russia.  With a solid game plan put together by our coaching staff, the team dug deep and executed on it flawlessly.  As a result, we come out on top with a 6-5 victory.  That win put us in the gold medal game against the #1 seed and undefeated Team Canada.  We're looking forward to that final showdown tomorrow night, but for now, we're about to get some much needed rest.  Thanks for checking in!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Open Hockey Update - Monday, July 22, 2013

Well, we're two games into round robin play... The US team is 2-0 with victories over Israel (14-0) and Ukraine (5-3).  The team plays Canada on (7/23) at 9pm (Israeli Time) or 2pm (Eastern Time).

As it stands right now, Team USA will be at worst a #2 seen in medal play - with a win vs. Canada, we will be the #1 seed.  Ukraine and Israel will play in the early game, with the winner earning the #3 seed.

For Video Highlights of Team USA Open Hockey, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEsEwfbQYYSeoJY790vr_A


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Masters Update - July 21, 2013

Over the past few days, we've been spending time in Jerusalem touring the sites as well as attending the opening ceremonies.  The ceremonies were very festive and energetic, and it seemed all athletes had an exceptional time barring the logistical nightmare of trying to get home that night.

We had a couple of practices in a rink just outside of Tel Aviv, which allowed us to get the legs going after the long journey over from the States.  With our first game taking place yesterday afternoon, the team headed up to Metula in the morning.  The ride was about 4 hours, and we were able to take in the beautiful and picturesque scenery of Israel and the Golan Heights as we ventured up to the northern part of the country.

In terms of the rink, it is located only yards from the Lebanon border, therefore, one would notice a significant presence of Israeli and UN security forces in the area.  The rink itself, called the 'Canada Centre', is an Olympic size sheet of ice, and if one is wondering how the ice is, well, at this time of year, it's a little slow and slushy.  Of course the 90+ degree weather outside doesn't help matters.  But hey, this is hockey in Israel!!!  As all teams took to the ice yesterday, we had our first game against Team Canada.  Unfortunately, we ended up one goal short with a 6-5 loss, but we can take comfort knowing that we clawed back from a 4-1 deficit and had some very good opportunities to make it closer.

With a long day of traveling and playing yesterday, we can use this morning to unwind a little, and get ready for our next game this evening against Team Russia.  It will be another good test, and I know we are all looking forward to getting back on that ice!

Thanks for checking in!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Israel Connect

This will be a quick summary of the Open and Juniors activities to date:

One can't even begin to imagine how to transport two hockey teams right from training camp to Israel, but yet it has been done! Never stand in the way of determined ho9ckey players to get their smelly equipment on the plane before everyone else. Except for one player who we think got the security guards telephone number and the other who can't figure out if his name we were all good.

The plane trip over started out with a shout out from our pilot wish ONLY the ice hockey teams a warm welcome. Kinda cool. As we deplaned in Israel, picked up our luggage and equipment and commandeered a truck for the bags we were bused away to Kfar Maccabiah our home for the next few nights. Let the trip begin...

After a quick training session the teams were bused to Independence Hall, Rabin Square and Neve Tzedek for a small bit of cultural experiences and a quick history lesson, then we had a boxed lunch and visit to the Tel Aviv beaches. It truly doesn't get better then that, unless you manage to get a black eye so you look cool for your evening out with the boys.

Another morning of training begins and most of the players are in good spirits, at least those who got some sleep. After we headed off to Mt. Scopus, Old City, the Jewish Quarter, the Kotel and more. Talk about a short day for us. Even our morning workouts felt like nothing after all that walking and climbing. We returned home for a bbq with all the Maccabi USA teams!

Yes another morning of training and yes a full day of activities-but this time we relax first in the dead sea. Then after a quick rinse you conquer Masada! Then we are treated to a Bedouin Tent dinner. If that's not enough some of the older players had yet,another night out...

Our Israel connect program is starting to wind down and we finish with an emotional day visiting, Yad Vashem, Mt. Herzl, Knesset, Ammunition Hill and Machane Yehuda. WOW is right-the athletes had a chance to sit for a bit in their small bus groups and then reflected on the activities we have done together as a group. It was at this point in the trip that it all came together for them. The reason why they are here. But with any Jewish event we were not done yet we still had a B'nai Mitzvah to attend! The Phyliss Magerman Memorial B'nai Mitzvah was the ONLY way these past few days should wrap up. To see the amount of athletes who rose up to participate for this was overwhelming. The entire Open Ice Hockey team participated! Some who never had a B'nai Mitzvah did so in Israel over looking the city at sunset-it doesn't get any better then that.

Our buses were truly blessed with guides who not only cared about us learning and enjoying our trip but us as well. The program provided them with WATER, food and sunscreen! If you didn't drink enough you were told.

This was our quick overview of the last few days before we departed to the North. More personal information to follow shortly.

Oh, and for those of you not traveling to see your sons-yes they do miss you!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Masters Update - July 17, 2013

Most of the team is now in Israel with just a couple of more guys due to arrive in the next day or so.  It wasn't too bad of a flight except for the 3+ hour delay at Newark, which for many of us was a connection since we were coming from different parts of the U.S.  Since the delay got us into Israel much later than planned, we will be working off of just a few hours of sleep before our practice tomorrow morning.  It was very cool to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport with all of the Maccabiah signage up and volunteers helping out with logistics as well as seeing other national teams milling about getting ready to embark on their own experiences.  With it being dark since my arrival, I am looking forward to tomorrow and seeing Jerusalem in the daylight.  Good night for now, and thanks for checking in!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Shabbat

Seeing your athletes at Shabbat services and attending Shabbat dinner is truly an experience.  While the athletes are serious about the sport and have fun in their off time, its nice to see that these players have a sense of their religious roots. 

The Maccabi management group was truly impressed with the Hockey Team's turn out!  Thank you players-its moments like this that we are evaluated and they remember.

The Plane

Except for well behaved athletes, the captain giving the Ice Hockey team a shout out before the flight what happens in flight stays in flight!

JFK


The juniors and open teams arrived in New York for training camp and as quickly as they arrived they departed for Israel.  The junior team spent several days in Long Branch practicing and bonding.  While the open team had a two days to prepare.  As the open team pulled up to the JFK to meet up with the juniors the Maccabi experience began.  A sea of athletes filled the El Al terminal.  But only one group had the pungent smell of freshly skated equipment in tow!  You can only image how this got us to the front of the line and our baggage on the belts quickly.

Now we had one issue through the first leg of security-but we think that athlete finally got her number after  being grilled for what seemed 30 minutes.  Oh, and when you travel its important to make sure you don't confuse your first and last names.



Friday, July 5, 2013

It's almost time to go!


 
We're sending a record-number 1,117 athletes to Israel this month for the 19th World Maccabiah Games. Now it's time to GET THE WORD OUT!

We're all so excited to be a part of the third-largest sporting event IN THE WORLD...so let's scream it out loud and proud by spreading the word to our friends and family.

 

Here's what you can do RIGHT NOW:

Step 1:
Like us on Facebookand or Follow us on Twitter

Step 2:
Take a quick photo or video that shows you are ready for the Games

Step 3:
Share your photo or video on social media, ask your friends and family to follow Maccabi USA to get the latest news and behind-the-scenes scoop on Team USA, and don't forget to tag @maccabiusa and #maccabiusa.

The success of our organization relies heavily on grassroots outreach and your influence will be key in ensuring that we can continue to give athletes the opportunity to share their heritage and culture in competitive athletic settings in Israel and around the world.
 

 

Best of luck, and let the Games begin!

Your Friends at Maccabi USA

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Message from the Maccabi Office


July 2, 2013

USA 19th World Maccabiah Games Organizing Committee and Coaches,

Tomorrow our Advanced Team is departing for the 19th World Maccabiah Games. There is no better time then right now to say thank you for everything you have done. It’s hard to believe that the first 300 members of Team USA leave this Saturday for Israel and begin their Maccabiah experience.

Volunteers are the back-bone of our organization. They are unsung heroes who are willing to share their valuable time, talents, and energy to help make our projects, events, or day run better and smoother, and help lighten our load. It's important for us to let each of you volunteers know just how much you are appreciated.

Your hard work, time, and commitment towards the formation of Team USA for the 19th World Maccabiah Games was exemplary, and we just wanted a moment to say thank you.

For those volunteers that will be with us in Israel, we look forward to being with you, and for those at home, we hope that you will keep tabs on Team USA through the different social media outlets.

Go Team USA!

Letter from Maccabi




Members of Team USA Junior, Open, and Masters Ice Hockey Teams,

I hope this letter finds you all doing well and that you're getting excited about your upcoming trip to Israel and the 19th Maccabiah Games.   As some of you know, I've been here in Israel for the past couple of months working in the Maccabiah Sports Department helping to prepare for the upcoming Games.   While I'm working with all of the sports here, my primary focus has been on the Maccabiah hockey tournament.  During the Games, I'll be serving as the tournament coordinator and while my heart is always red, white and blue, you'll have to forgive the neutrality that is required in this role.  

I'm happy to report that preparations are coming along very well for the tournament.  I was in Metula today for another visit and was excited to see the progress at the Canada Center.  They recently installed new boards and glass and will be laying the ice down over the next several days.  The people in Metula are thrilled to have hockey back in the Games for the first time since 1997 and are eagerly awaiting your arrival. 

Playing ice hockey in the 1997 Maccabiah was one of the most important experiences of my life.  It inspired me to take a leadership role with Maccabi USA during the 2001, 2005, and 2009 Games and helped forge what I know will be a life-long connection to Israel.  I won't predict what the Maccabiah experience will mean to each of you, but I can promise that it will be unlike any other athletic or cultural experience you've ever had.   Lacing up your skates on a team full of fellow Jews, at the world's third largest international sporting event, in the ancient home of our people isn't something that happens every day.  I hope you'll cherish this experience and take full advantage of what lies ahead.

In this spirit, I thought it might be helpful to pass along a few tips that I've learned from my participation in several Maccabiah programs over the years.  I hope these will help you to have the best possible experience here in Israel.
 


·         Take care of yourself physically prior to and during the Maccabiah.  The combination of travel, long-days, hot weather, different food, training and competition is challenging no matter how fit you are.  Be sure you come into the program well rested and get as much sleep as possible while you're here. You all know how important hydration is....you'll be told it a million times, but I've seen many US athletes become dehydrated here and it is very unpleasant.

·         Be prepared that not everything will go perfectly.  Organizing an international sporting event with 9,000 plus athletes is a monumental task, particularly in a country like Israel that lacks the volume of high-quality athletic facilities that we enjoy in the U.S.   There will be buses that are late, the food might not always be exactly what you want, the locker rooms aren't the best, and the officials will miss a call here or there.  Take it all in stride and your experience (and the experience of those around you) will be far more pleasant.

·         Take full advantage of the amazing cultural and non-athletic opportunities that will be provided.  Everyone wants to win a gold medal , but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of you and it's about much more than just athletic competition.

·         Finally, I hope you'll take some time to follow the link below to a special 20 minute documentary that aired nationally in Canada the other day on TSN (their ESPN).  It's a story about a unique hockey program that is housed at the Canada Center in Metula.  While it doesn't deal directly with the Maccabiah, it does provide a context for the location and environment in which our historic hockey tournament will take place.  You'll see images of some of the fighting that has taken place over the years.  Fortunately for us, and everyone in and around Metula, the border with Lebanon has been quiet for the past several years.

            http://video.tsn.ca/?dl=pipe42/latest/1/0/953997/clip/0

As always, feel free to be in touch if I can help answer any questions that you might have prior to your arrival.  I look forward to seeing you all in Israel and to sharing this amazing experience with each of you. 

Wishing you all the best.


Jeff Schulman
Ice Hockey Coordinator -- 19th Maccabiah Games



p.s. Here are  links to the hockey schedule for the Games and for the hockey regulations that will govern the competition.

http://maccabiah.com/Data/Uploads/gamesschedule7.pdf

http://www.maccabiah.com/Data/Uploads/Ice%20Hockey.pdf

--

Monday, July 1, 2013

Thank you Philly!

Philadelphia/South Jersey hosted a meet and greet yesterday.  Several members of Maccabi USA attended the event.  It was a nice way for us to meet other participants and their families before we depart for Israel.  Yes, that's right we are departing next week.  After all these months of planning and training TEAM USA is almost ready!  A couple of quick reminders-Pack your white team shirt to wear off the plane in Israel; bring snacks for the long flight; bring extra skates and or blades; sunscreen and hats!  See you in a days.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Masters Update - June 26, 2013


This past weekend, the team converged on to South Bend, Indiana for a final training camp before our departure to Israel in a few weeks.  We were able to cram in two practices as well as two games against a local men’s team in just over 48 hours there.  It was a good test for us in terms of stamina since we will be exposed to five hard-fought games in as many days during the tournament.  Overall, the weekend was a success as we continued to familiarize ourselves with one another’s idiosyncrasies on the ice. 
Additionally, we had some good off ice gatherings to get to know one another on a more personal level, which always enhances a team’s ability to develop that deeper bond.  One of those gatherings included watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup, which sparked some of the fun banter between teammates that are Hawks fans vs. those that are B's fans.  And staying on the topic of Stanley Cup playoffs, it looked like with only a couple of minutes left in Game 6 that there surely was going to be a Game 7.  However, the Hawks only needed a swift 17 seconds to turn the tables and shut the door on the B's.  It just makes one realize how quickly a game can turn - for better or for worse. 

On another note, we all owe an enormous ‘thanks’ to the Lerman family for setting up just a wonderful weekend of hockey!  They were the most gracious hosts, and we all sincerely appreciate their hospitality and generosity.

The excitement is building each day as we get closer to boarding the plane to head overseas.  Everyone has been, and will be, working hard over the next few weeks to be in the best shape possible before we meet again in Jerusalem for the Opening Ceremonies.

Thanks for checking in on this post, and check back again for further updates!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Message from the Junior Team


Our training camp starts in about two weeks and although as of yet I know a few other players I'm looking forward to meeting the team and I'm sure they are as well. Although our team trains before Israel and in Israel we're expected to be in top shape our first skate together, which means that not only do we have to prepare logistically for the Maccabiah Games, but also physically. 

 
 
 
 
That's all for now,
Ethan

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Check your e-mails some towns are sponsoring a Meet and Greet


MACCABI USA CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO

“MEET AND GREET”

THE TEAM USA MEMBERS IN YOUR AREA PARTICIPATING IN

              THE 19TH WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES

 

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION,

MEET YOUR FELLOW TEAMMATES, AND HEAR ABOUT THE FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE

THAT AWAITS YOU

 

 

           When:                 Sunday June 30th, 2013

 

          Time:                  4:00 – 6:00 PM PST

 

  Where:                 Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel

                        300 S 18th St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Family:    Immediate Family is welcome (Parents, Children, Spouses & Siblings)

 

 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Masters Update - June 18, 2013


Hello everyone,

Todd Lewis here, and I am one of the 21 players that proudly makes up Team USA's Masters Hockey Team in the 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel.  We no doubt have a great group of guys that has been assembled to represent our country and battle for the gold medal against national teams from Canada, Russia, and Israel.  In terms of the geographical composition of our team, we have guys that hail from 11 different states, which include the following:

Pennsylvania - 5
New York - 4
Illinois - 4 (including Head Coach)
Florida - 3
Arizona - 1
California - 1
Connecticut - 1
Indiana - 1
Maryland - 1
Massachusetts - 1

At this point, we have come together as a group several times.  Our first gathering was a training camp in Philadelphia back in March with a subsequent trip back to Philadelphia in April to play an exhibition game at the Wells Fargo Center just after the Flyers-Rangers game.  Both occasions have been great bonding opportunities for players and coaches to get to know one another on and off the ice.  Furthermore, the team is preparing to head to South Bend, Indiana, this weekend, for one final training camp before we leave for Israel in a few weeks to officially commence our quest to bring the gold back to the U.S.

There is an anticipation and build up of excitement amongst the team to pull on that USA jersey and represent our country in a sport that we collectively have an extreme passion for.  There is no doubt that this will be one incredible, unique experience in which we will all remember for the rest of our lives. 

On behalf of our entire Masters team, we wish the best of luck to the other two USA hockey teams - Juniors and Open - as well as all other USA teams & athletes vying in their own quest for gold at the 2013 Maccabiah Games!  Check back here for updates on the progress of our pre-tournament training and the tournament itself.  Thanks for checking in!


Monday, June 17, 2013

Ice Hockey REGS



1 19 th Maccabiah Games


Last Update 4-27-13
1. Organization




The Ice Hockey Committee to the 19th Maccabiah will be responsible for the Ice Hockey competitions of the 19th Maccabiah, subject to the approval of the Sport Department.

a. The Ice Hockey competitions will be conducted according to the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) with the exception of a no body checking rule in all Masters games (see Section 6 below for more details). Participation in the competition is open to any player who has been duly registered with Organizing Committee of the 19th Maccabiah, and was issue with a participant card..

b. Each team for the Ice Hockey competitions may consist of a total of 22 players. This must include a minimum of two goalies dressed for every game. Teams may bring and dress additional goalies but may not exceed the 22 player maximum. There will be no alternates or additional players permitted.

c. Each team must bring two sets of game shirts in different colors to each game.
2. Venues and times


a. The venues and times of the Ice Hockey competitions will be determined by the Sport Department and the Ice Hockey Committee for the 19th Maccabiah, and teams will be notified accordingly.

b. All games (Junior, Open, and Masters) will consist of 3 periods of 20 minutes each in duration.

c. For games in which a winner must be determined (semifinals, bronze, and gold medal games) a sudden death overtime period will be played and if no goal is scored, a game winning shots (GWS) competition will be held. The specific format for overtime sessions and the game winning shots procedures will be provided to teams in advance of the tournament.

d. The games will be played with pucks as specified in the International Rules and Regulations.
3. System of competition


SYSTEM A: With the participation of 3 teams;

a. The competitions will be played on a league basis of a double round robin.

b. Teams will be classified according to their achievements with two points awarded for wins, one point for ties, and 0 points for losses.

c. The first two teams in the league will compete for the title: "19th Maccabiah Champion".

SYSTEM B: With the participation of 4 or 5 teams;

a. The competitions will be played on a league basis of a single round robin.

b. Teams will be classified according to their achievements (see system A for point system).
c. There will be a semifinal round in which teams will be matched #1 vs. #4; and #2 vs. #3. The winners of the semifinal round will play for 1st place and the remaining two teams will play for 3rd place.

In the event that two teams are tied in points following the round robin competition, classification will be determined as follows: IceHockey regulations


2 19 th Maccabiah Games


Step 1 – Results between the tied teams in head-to-head games.

Step 2 -- Goal differential in games played between the tied teams (only applies in double round robin format).

Step 3 – Fewest numbers of goals allowed in round robin competition.

Step 4 – Fewest numbers of goals allowed against teams in rank order of finish.

Step 5 – In the event that teams remain tied, a coin toss will be held to determine finals classification.

In the event of tie in points between three or more teams, classification will be determined by creating a sub-group amongst the tied teams. The tie-breaking process outlined above will be applied until one team is eliminated at which time the remaining teams will be classified by again applying the above steps in order.
4. Referees


The Ice Hockey Committee will ask the participating teams to select a Referees’ Committee, from abroad which in turn will appoint the referees of the competition (minimum of 3 from Canada + 3 from the USA). A one referee, two linesmen system will be used for all Juniors and Open games. A two-person system will be used for all Masters games.
5. Equipment


The IIHF rule book will serve as the basis for all equipment related requirements with the exception of the following. All players participating in the Junior level competition will be required to wear full face protection as specified by the IIHF. All players in the Open and Masters competition will, at a minimum, be required to wear IIHF approved half-shield facial protection.
6. No-Checking Rule for Masters


In the Masters competiton, body check is not permitted in any area of the ice. Body checking will be deemed to have occurred when a player’s intent is to gain possession of the puck by separating the puck carrier from the puck with a distinct and definable moment of impact. Angling a player is permissible. Angling is a legal skill used to influence the puck carrier to a place where the player must stop due to a player’s body position. Incidental contact, when two players collie unintentionally may also occur.

Penalty for body checking – A minor, major, or disqualification, at the discretion of the referee.
7. General


a. These regulations are but one part of the complete 19th Maccabiah Regulations, and must be read along with the instructions found in "Basic Regulations and Disciplinary Procedures".


b. In the event of a discrepancy between the regulations written here and those appearing in the "Basic Regulations", the regulations written here will apply and be binding.

Friday, June 14, 2013

2009 trip


Players-this is the trip that helped bring ice hockey back!  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebBjEm4Jp7g

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Game schedules!!!!


Masters Hockey Team Revels in Camaraderie

 


Enlarge Image »
(From left) Jon Hodes, Joshua Petersohn, Matt Steinberg and Peter Levitt look forward to chasing the puck in Israel.
This is one of a series of ­profiles spotlighting some of the more than 100 teens and adults preparing to represent the United States this summer in the World Macca­biah Games in Israel.
When the U.S. masters hockey team, headed for the Macca­biah Games in Israel this sum­mer, gathered at an ice rink in Warminster for the team’s first practices in March, goalie Jon Hodes recalled it took less than 10 minutes before he felt like he knew everyone.
“I think you gotta clarify,” Joshua Petersohn said with a wad of tobacco wedged in the side of his mouth and a dip cup on a conference room table. “That was the best locker room I’ve ever been in.”
Petersohn, a real estate developer, and Hodes, a graphic ­designer and art director, had joined two other local players at an office in Conshohocken to talk about their experience leading up to the Maccabiah Games in Israel in July.
The quadren­nial games, billed as the Jewish Olympics, are bringing hockey back after a 16-year hiatus.
The players all agreed that there was something special about that first team practice. It was the kinship felt among the men, mostly strangers, ages 40 and up, five from the Philadelphia area and the rest from California, Arizona, Florida and Michigan, among other states.
Such bonding among hockey players is not unusual. Hockey has always had a different aura compared to other American sports, partially because of the hassle, expense and physical toll involved. (Practices are almost always held when it’s dark outside, early in the morning or late at night.)
But what distinguished this team’s first gathering was the fact that they were surrounded by all Jews, including one rabbi, when most of them were accustomed to being the only Jew on other hockey teams they’d played for.
“Historically, typically, generally, you’re in a room with Catholics, the one Jew on a team, so it’s strangely comfortable,” Hodes, 40, a resident of West Conshohocken, said as the others nodded in agreement.
“At least around Philadelphia, you had Jewish basketball leagues. We never had that for hockey. You couldn’t get 10 guys together, you couldn’t get a minyan together, let alone a penalty kill,” said the 46-year-old Petersohn, who has played since he was 6 years old and was on a semi-pro team for parts of two seasons.
Peter Levitt, a defensemen who grew up playing in Canada, recalled that as the players were putting on their gloves and pads for their first practice that Friday evening, someone gave their rabbinic teammate, who’s from Arizona, a candle to light and asked him to lead them in Shabbat prayers.
“I’ve had priests give us talks before, I’ve had all sorts of religious direction, never have I had a rabbi in the locker room,” said Petersohn. “I would equate it to that feeling you get in Israel, when you get off the plane and you feel like, ‘I belong.’ ”
“When you say kibitz, people don’t say, ‘What’s that?’ ” said Levitt, 52, who now lives in Bala Cynwyd and works as an executive recruiter.
“Our coach at the time said, ‘Let’s stop the kibitzing, and let’s get back to practice,’ I was like, ‘Are we gonna have Nova sandwiches after this?’ I’m not used to this,” said Petersohn.
Matt Steinberg, a financial adviser and forward on the team, said the players had shared their experiences of facing anti-Semitism when they were growing up.
He attended Cheltenham High School, where there were actually a number of Jews on the team, and said that he and Jewish teammates decided not to put last names on their jerseys to avoid being targeted by opponents.
“I think, for us, connecting Judaism with our passion, ice hockey, is a match made in heaven, not to be sentimental about it,” said Steinberg, 42, a resident of Ft. Washington.
After the team held its first practice in March, they gathered again in April for a game against a corporate team at the Wells Fargo Center; later this month they will descend on South Bend, Ind., for practices at the University of Notre Dame’s ice rink. (Hodes said one of the team members had attended the Catholic university and was able to secure the rink.)
A modern Orthodox player from Detroit walked three miles from his hotel to the March practice  because it was Shabbat.
“I had trouble stretching,” said Petersohn. “This guy’s walk­ing three miles.”
Steinberg suggested that if Petersohn became Orthodox, it would encourage him to walk.
“Might, but I still don’t know if that’s going to help my groin,” quipped Petersohn, who was nursing an injury and will play defense.
The masters team, the oldest of three hockey divisions, will compete at the games against Canadian, French and Israeli teams this summer in Metula, a town of 2,000 people near the border with Lebanon.
Not surprisingly, the players said they considered their northern neighbors the favorites to win.
In the masters division, check­ing and rough play is technically not allowed, which the players said makes the game faster and harder defensively. For his part, Levitt said he follows the 11th commandment, “Though shall not get caught.”
Whatever happens on the ice, hockey players generally leave it there, shake hands and grab a beer afterwards, Petersohn said.
Hodes, the only one of the four who has never been to Israel, said he was curious to meet players from other countries.
He found out about the Maccabiah Games by chance, spotting a mention in an article a few days before the tryouts in September.
He added, “My wife said, ‘Of course, it’s going to be hockey that gets you to Israel for the first time.’ ”

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

REMINDER

Player's most of you have received your boxes!  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE enjoy looking at the official Maccabi apparel BUT DO NOT wear any of this apparel until July 10th!  Our instruction are included in the box as to when we are to wear the correct items!  This is very important to the Maccabi staff and the sponsors that make this happen.  Also please note you need white sneakers for opening ceremonies. 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Masters message


Our journey for the gold is well underway. On behalf of the Maccabi USA, the coaching and training staff, we want to welcome each of you. We, your coaches are very excited to be working with you and feel very good about our prospects and competing in the 19th World Games! We are very proud of the commitment each of you already made in preparing for these games. We look forward to sharing in what will certainly be a highlight in each of our hockey careers and remain excited to continue our journey for the Gold during our next mini-camp in South Bend, Indiana June 21-23, 2013. Keep working towards making our dream a reality! 
Todd S.

Junior Welcome!


Juniors:

 

On behalf of Maccabi USA, the coaching and training staff we want to welcome each of you. We, your coaches are very excited to be working with you and feel very good about our prospects and competing in the 19th World Games! We look forward to sharing in what will certainly be a highlight in each of our hockey careers and are excited to get started on our journey for the Gold during the training camp in Long Beach, NY on July 7-9, 2013. Keep working towards making our dream a reality!

 

Coaches Henry and Todd

 

Open welcome


June 10, 2013

 

Hello to the USA Maccabiah Open Ice Hockey Team!  In exactly 30 days from today you will be departing for Tel Aviv, Israel and the World Maccabiah Games.  Hope you're prepared for an incredible experience.  Trust me, you will never play hockey in a more unique place than Metula, Israel.  After captaining the 1997 USA Maccabiah Team, I am excited to be a part of the Games again.  I have so many great cool memories from my '97 experience and I hope you feel the same way after these Games. 

 

Remember, the Team is scheduled to get together in Long Island, NY July 9-10 for two ice sessions.  We will have a team dinner on July 9 after practice and it will be a fun night to meet and catch up with everybody.  Please don't wait until the last minute to ask any questions.  Devra Schorr is the best person to direct team related inquiries to. 

 

In the meantime, I hope everybody is well and you have all been able to train/skate.  Once the competition gets going there will be a lot of hockey in a short period of time.  It is also going to be Israel in July and that means HEAT!  If you aren't in shape you won't feel well. 

 

We'll be in touch soon with more details.  Looking forward to it!

 

Billy Jaffe