Ashar Hockey Heads to Division Championships

The Ashar hockey team once again clinched a playoff position in our competitive hockey league. The Division Championship Series begins on March 4th when Ashar Hockey faces off against Westchester Day School.

This is Ashar Hockey's 4th consecutive season qualifying for Division Championships.

Another Win For ASHAR Hockey at Home

After yesterday's home court victory over a tough YCQ team, Ashar Hockey finds itself just one win away from once again clinching a league playoff position.

In the first period Ashar came out strong with speed and crisp passing. With solid goal tending from Jason Fischman and rookie goalie Craig Klein our team looked relaxed and confident and waited for opportunities to score.

With great efforts by Ashar Hockey first year players Joshua Lehman, Moshe Ohana, and Mathew Weinberg it was easy for veteran players to focus on their assignments at hand.

Ashar goal scorers Ross Chanofsky, Micheal Katznelson, Ari Shatkin and Isaac Selter.

Hockey Teams Win Big For Charity

An email from Israel to the members of the "Unite for Israel Hockey Project";

This email was originally written in Hebrew, and I did my best to have it translated for distribution.

It is sent to us by the director of the Avukat Or Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem. Avukat Or is the beificiary of funds being raised in this year's "Unite for Israel Hockey Project". To date Avukat Or has already recieved over $20,000 in donation from our efforts.

With the recent events in Southern Israel we felt we needed to once again turn focus and give some support to families in Sderot. Ashar Hockey's Unite for Israel project was proud to sponsored a "Day of Fun" in Jerusalem for 2 Sderot classes. At the conclussion of the day, we had the Sderot children visit the Avukat Or Center .

At Avukat Or the children enjoyed assisting in the preparation of over 1,000 bags of candy. These candy bags were taken back to Sderot for distribution to other young children in their community.


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Greetings to you hockey teams,

Today the students from Sderot visited us. They came to us after they were at the exhibit "Dialogue in Darkness", and enjoyed an outdoor lunch. We greeted them as they heard about Avukat Or and met our kids (Shlomi spoke a bit himself, Hadas the teacher from Sderot is his sister). Within an hour they helped us packaged 1,000 candy bags for delivery. They received bags (the ones in the picture - with the hearts) and on each note in the bag was written: "to our guests from Sderot, with wishes for quiet and tranquility, from friends in Monsey and Westchester NY, and from Avukat Or".

I am sending the first pictures. Hadas will hopefully send more soon. As Steve requested, they took many many pictures throughout their day of fun in jerusalem. We wanted to thank you for allowing us at Avukat Or to experience part of this special day with the children of Sderot.

"Each man shall help his brother and they will remain strong."

Thank you.

Ruti
Avukat Or

WDS evens things up with victory at home.

The battle for Hudson River bragging rights continues as WDS evens the score with a victory last night over ASHAR in Westchester. Tieing the River Series at 1-1.

The game dead was even (a testimate to these two teams), until Westchester broke the ice on this cold night with a goal late in the second.

Making his ''first start' in goal for ASHAR was Craig Klien. Craig looking as though he had been ASHAR starting goalie for 10 seasons though, as his play was unbelievable in his rookie debut. Craig making dozens of quality saves to help keep ASHAR in the game.

One star goalie can not win a game for his team on his own though. It take at least some offensive success. Unfortunately, last night ASHAR's offense had NONE.

The Westchester Wild closed the building with a shutout victory over ASHAR and the River Series is now tied at 1 win a piece.

Click HERE for photos.

Ashar Hockey Continues to Win on the Road

(click on the photo above for additional photos)

Boarding our team bus at 5:00pm the Ashar Hockey headed out on the road once again for our second game of the season. Great Neck, Long Island was our next destination to face off against North Shore Hebrew Academy.

After our big win against Westchester Day School in game 1 of the season, our team hit the court with a secure measure confidence that showed in our play.

There are those players in our league who wait in front of the net for the pucks to come there way, then there are the players who "make it all happen". This year Ashar is blessed with 4 offensemen who know how and what it takes to "create opportunities".

In the now famous Al Pachino movie "Any Given Sunday" from a few years back there is a famous scene where a coach explains the difference between an average athlete and a great athlete. The sign being when there is only enough time left in a game for one play to win it, a player rises to the challenge and simply demands "just give me the ball". Ross Chanofsky, Issac Selter, Ari Shatkin and Max Rimberg each shows that quality and ability. Their confidence and athleticism shows, as each is a "play finisher" as well as "play maker".

Shutting down North Shore last night was Ashar's star starting goalie Jason Fischmen, who allowed absolutely nothing past him.

In the 3rd period and making his goalie debut, rookie goalie Craig Klien rejected al the best of North Shore's scoring talent, and closed the door for Ashar on this latest victory.

The most exciting news of the night though came after the game when the North Shore Hebrew Academy Hockey team announced that they too will be joining Ashar Hockey's "Unite for Israel Hockey Project". Adding yet another team to the long list of tri state area schools that have committed to assist in our in charity project for Israel this season.

More details about our 2009 Unite for Israel Hockey Project benifitting the Avukat Or Center of Jerusalem will be announced in a later posts.

Ashar Opens 2009 Season With Overtime Victory vs. League Champs

(click above photo for more pictures)

The Ashar Hockey team began its 2009 season last night as it faced off against last season's league champion Westchester Day School Wild.

In what over the years seems to be Ashar Hockey's 'home away from home' ( the WDS Gym) , goalie Jason Fischman rejected just about everything shot at him. It was Jason' s first official start in goal for the team, but Jason put on a goalie show that made him look like a seasoned veteran.

The history of previous games against WDS is a competitive one. This game proved no different. Both teams looked to be the first to break the games tension with a goal.

Starting scoring lines of Maxx Rimberg and Isaac Selter knocked on the door many times in the first period. It is was however the line of Ross Chanofsky and Ari Shatkin that drew first blood against WDS when "Pablo" Chanofsky buried a puck deep in the back of the Westchester net.

The chants of "Pablo" seemed to fuel Chanofsky as it was only moments later Ross decided he needed to his his nickname chanted again. Firing a second blast past a stunded WDS goalie for goal number 2.

In true fashion though WDS came back, and as the clocked ticked down to the end of the game the 2-2 tie was sending our teams into a sudden death overtime period.

It was the outstanding defense of Brian Frankel, Jesse Schwab, Mike Katznelson and Avi Borgen that proved to be the difference. With under a minute left in the overtime period Avi Borgen decided with an exam in school the next day to study for, the hour was getting late.

Taking matters in his own hands Avi Borgen closed the show with his huge overtime goal to win the game for ASHAR.

Ashar Hockey 2008 Season Video Released

Click on the image above to be taken to the
2008 Season Video Page.

Ashar Hockey to Retire Donny Fuchs #11 Jersey

For the first time in the Ashar School's nearly 60 year history, the school will honor one of its students by officially retiring the jersey number he wore for an unprecedented 6 years as a member of the Ashar Hockey Team.

Joining the hockey team back in 2002, #11 Donny Fuchs, a then 3rd grader, showed hockey talents well beyond his years. Playing for an amazing 6 seasons for the Ashar Hockey team, Donny became the one of the most recognized and well respected players in the league.

Donny has seen nearly 50 of his fellow teammates graduate from Ashar. Now at the close of his 6th year of dedication to the school hockey team, it’s Donny’s turn to graduate.

The Ashar Hockey team has declared June 11th (get it “6”- “11”) to be Donny Fuchs Day at ASHAR with the Hockey Team officially retiring Donny’s #11 Jersey in brief ceremony during lunch on June 11th.

In celebration, ice cream will be served and the official drawings for the a special “11 for 11” Free Raffle will be held.

All Ashar students coming to school displaying the # 11 in any way, shape or form (face paint, painted t shirt, banner, sign, postcard etc,) on Donny Fuchs Day will are eligible to receive one FREE raffle ticket.

There will be 11 special prizes raffled off, plus a special
GRAND PRIZE $111.00 Palisades Center Mall Gift Card
good for use throughout the entire Palisades Center .

The Ashar Hockey Team wishes to thank the Ashar PTA for all its assistance in helping the school celebrate this event.

For more details on the raffle and how you can get your chance to win...CLICK HERE.

Ashar Hockey Thanks WDS Wild Hockey Team

Ashar Hockey Captain Donny Fuchs presents Captain Mathew Povman and Josh Schub of the 2008 League Champion Westchester Wild Hockey Team with a gift of appreciation for the Wild's outstanding support of the $10,000 "Unite for Sderot Hockey Project".

Members of the Westchester Wild Hockey Team received special invitations to join Ashar Hockey for it's normally private weekly Friday ice hockey practice.

That invitation will remain open to our hockey brothers at Westchester Day School for the next few remaining weeks of our 2008 season.

Ashar Hockey Heading Out to Sea

The Ashar hockey team has received an email from Lieutenant Scott A. Rae of the United States Coast Guard.

On or about June 2, 2008 the United States Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon Bay, currently in dry dock at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, will be placed back into the waters of New York Harbor and recommissioned into service for the Coast Guard under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The 180 foot USCG Cutter Sturgeon Bay will leave the Brooklyn Navy Yard, travel around Manhattan 's Battery Park and up it's lower West-side. The ship will then pass historic Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty while making its way back to the ship's home berth at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Bayonne New Jersey .

An invitation has been extended by Lieutenant Rae and the U.S. Coast Guard for the Ashar Hockey Team to join the Captain and crew of the USCG Sturgeon Bay for this voyage in recognition of the Ashar Hockey team's International and local community charitable efforts of the past 3 hockey seasons.

The Ashar Hockey Team's fund-raising efforts topping $80,000 of charitable donations made in just under 3 years.

Ashar Hockey helps raise additional $10,000 for Sderot.

In addition to the $10,000 raised by Ashar Hockey's "Unite for Sderot Hockey Project", Ashar Hockey was also one of the proud sponsors of the "Skate for Sderot" Hockey Tournament.

This event for Sderot was a well attended 3 on 3 roller hockey tournament with varsity and jv teams participation from many Jewish communities from the New York and New Jersey area.

Participating teams gladly paid a $200 entry fee to compete in this tournament, while helping raise money for donation.

The sucessful tournament adding an additional $10,000 for the Connections Israel Program, with all proceeds being donated to the people of Sderot.

Ashar Hockey is proud to have been a sponsor of this tournament, and we congratulate Joe Teplow and his friends for a job well done.

Hockey Teams Unite for Sderot

(click the image above for more team picture)

What started out as a $500 project has now grown to $10,000 thanks to the overwhelmingly enthusiastic support of hockey families from various communities across the New York and New Jersey area.

School hockey teams from around the area lining up in support of Ashar Hockey's Unite for Sdreot Hockey Project". The Ashar Hockey Team's reputation for sportsmanship and goodwill helping to accomplish what many never would have dreamed; one school supporting another schools charity effort.

Ashar Hockey is grateful to the insight and courage of all the schools who participated, as all school pride has been set aside to show the people of Sderot we have not forgotten them.

Read more HERE.

Ashar Hockey Team Receives Highest Honor

The Ashar Hockey team was contacted last week by an Endowment Associate from a Donor Advised Program from the Greater Metropolitan Chicago area.

It was explained to us that the Ashar Hockey Team's charitable efforts over the past few seasons had won the attention of this major Jewish organization. The Endowment Department of this charitable organization contacted Ashar Hockey asking for further information about our team in order to process a recommendation for an unsolicited grant.

Over the past three seasons the Ashar Hockey Team has raised nearly $100,000 in charitable contributions for children special needs schools, sports programs for the disabled, paralysis research organizations, as well as thousands in support for various Israeli causes.

The word of our hockey team being considered for this grant is a matter of great pride and we are honored to share news of this grant with all the members and supporters of our hockey program.

We thank the people of the Greater Chicago area for noticing all the efforts of the Ashar Hockey Team in the small town of Monsey, New York so many hundreds of miles away.

We also thank them for the opportunity to honor those who have helped a bunch of elementary school kids understand that people really do believe in them. This honor validates for these boys, the fact that if they set goals and work together as a team they can accomplish great things.
Ashar Hockey

No One Loses at Ashar

( click photo to enlarge )

Magen David rolled in from Brooklyn tonight to face the Ashar Hockey team.

In inter-school competition, you don't always get that chance to play simply for the love of the sport. For both teams this game had no official relevance in relation to the league standings. For the boys of each school, it was simply just a matter of getting a chance to play the game they love in a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere.

It was not important whether one team had won or lost. What was important is that we got to play hockey and make some new friends outside of our community.

The boys of the Magen David hockey team are very personable, great bunch of kids with a lot of character.

This helped make Wednesday night, another great hockey night at Ashar .

Thanks Magen David.

Ashar Hockey ... FIRE and ICE.

( click photo above for more pictures )

A fire at the school two days earlier had forced the cancellation of all classes for the rest of the school this week, but that did not mean Ashar Hockey had the day off.

Our hockey team's schedule for the day;

10:30am - Arrive at Sportorama Ice Rinks.

10:45am - Ice hockey practice for the Ashar Hockey team .

12:15pm - A private shiur for our team given by Rabbi C. at the rink. To the best of our knowledge, the first shiur in history ever held for a hockey team in an ice rink facility.

1:15pm - Ashar Hockey Press Conference with the Rockland Journal News.

1:30pm - Team leave the rink via Police escort for walk to local Pizza Shop for a sponsored team lunch.

2:30pm - Sluppies for the entire team sponsored by our friends at 7 Eleven of Monsey.

3:15pm - Mincha at the Fountainview Retirement Residence with some of the residents.

3:45pm - Chess Challenge. Ashar Hockey vs the Chess Masters of the Foutainview Complex.

5:15pm - Back to the ice rink to gather our equipment and head home.

Special thanks to Sportorama Ice Rinks, Rabbi C., the Ramapo Police Department ,the Rimberg Family, Pita Land Pizza Shop, 7 Eleven of Monsey, the Fountainview Home, the Chess Masters of Fountainview, and Ashar Principal Rabbi Meyer Beller. (click here)

Just after our floor hockey season ends in a few weeks, ice hockey practices will begin for Ashar Hockey Friday's just after dismissal .

Ashar Hockey Mid-Season Video Released

( click above to jump to video page )

Ashar Hockey Clinches Play-Off Position.

(click on the image to enlarge)

For the third consecutive season Ashar Hockey has clinched a playoff position in our division. Now begins the march towards a possible 3rd Division Championship title.

Last night in a Play-Offs preview, Ashar Hockey played one of the two teams they will need to beat in the future in order to get there.

Ashar Hockey came to the game vs Har Torah a bit crippled. Three first line defensemen forced to miss the game. Another first liner hobbling half speed around the court playing with a crack in his ankle.

It was an important game for Ashar and many of our parents knew their less experienced players might have to remain on the bench as we went for a win. It was another one of those well played and exciting games for Ashar, with a one goal difference between us for most of the game.

We thank all the Ashar Hockey parents who came to last night's game and who also have supported our 'team' all season long.

All the league, our schools, coaches, and parents could hope for is to see our kids enjoy this competitive hockey experience. The picture above taken just after the game pretty much sums up the outcome of last nights's game.

It's not easy to decipher in this picture exactly who came away victorious in this game. That's the way it should be too; all winners and MVPs.

In the end though it was Har Torah who's numbers on the scoreboard topped those of Ashar's.

Ashar Hockey looks forward to hosting Har Torah at Ashar in a couple weeks to try and even up the record.

'Win'-field True To His Name.

The tides changed yet again in the battle of the Hudson River as Ashar Hockey came away victorious over Westchester Day School.

In another classic game for the fans who came to witness, it was a nail bitter from the very start as each time tried to break the ice with the games first goal.

Early in the second period Ashar was first to "draw Blood". Face-off surgeon Dr. Donny Fuchs sent one back to a "locked and loaded" Avi Borgen who fired and found nothing but net for the games first goal.

It was only a moment later that Dr. Fuchs decided it was time to perform some precision laser surgery of his own. Donny's goal finding the upper corner regions of Westchester's net, and Ashar had a 2 goal lead in the game.

With less than one minute remaining in the game the scoreboard read Ashar 3 - Westchester 2. Westchester now throwing everything they had into trying to send the game into overtime.

As Westchester pulled their goaltender for an extra man advantage, the only thing on Ashar's mind was that this situation required 'Win', and they had him.............. goalie Yoni 'Win'field.

Yoni stopping anything fired his way as some of the leagues best players tried every angle to beat him. In that last minute of play, they simply could not.

At 11.5 seconds remaining in the game "Rocketman" Jeremy Rosenblatt launched past every defender on the court and put the game away with an open net goal, securing Ashar's victory 4-2.

Jason Fischman Holds Off North Shore for ASHAR Victory

ASHAR's star goaltender Jason Fischman held off a speedy North Shore Elementary School Hockey team today in a crucial win for ASHAR at home.

Jason (a home court favorite) had the fans rocking, when he denied North Shore's Captian on a 1-0 breakaway in the final seconds of the game.

It was an all round effort for ASHAR with big goals coming from Defenseman Jesse Schwab, Forwards Naumberg, Rimberg and Minsky.

Deserving mention were the outstanding defensive play of Craig Klein and Josh Birmbaum, and the speedy work of forward Isaac Selter.

Isaac's forechecking talents equal to some of the best our league has to offer. His efforts are a lesson to many veterans in the league who seemed to have forgotten that playing forward is really a two way game. Nice work Isaac.

Chesir and Fishman secure ASHAR Victory Over YCQ

Rookie Asher Fishman and veteran Joey Chesir helped catapult ASHAR Hockey towards a division playoff position with an impressive defensive performance tonight against YCQ.

In a tight game in which either team could have come away victorious, defense meant everything . YCQ goalie Aaron Turkel who was spectacular in net, stopped most everything ASHAR threw at him.

Two big goals from each of ASHAR's first line starters Ari Minsky and Jeremy Rosenblatt gave ASHAR a little momentum early.

The big goal of the night came late in the game from defenseman Avi Borgen who took a pass back at the point and lasered it towards the net passed a screened Aaron Turkel.

It was all ASHAR from that point on with ASHAR sending in it's closer, goalie Jason Fischman to secure the victory.

Hockey Can Better A Life

The Ashar Hockey Team continues its support of Israel by announcing today its assistance as a participating sponsor in the Metro Area Yeshiva's "Skate for Sderot" 3 on 3 Roller Hockey Tournament benefiting Israels southern town of Sderot.

The people of Sderot living the daily fear of the thousands of Qaussam rockets, that have killed and injured so many people in recent years.

Ashar Hockey loves everything hockey and everything Israel. Thats why when we heard of 3 yeshiva teens orchestrating a metro area high school hockey tournament benefiting Israel, we took notice.

Joe Teplow (SAR) , Netanel Shafier (TABC) and, Zev Hait (SAR), all strangers to the Ashar Hockey team are the brainchilds behind this unique Metro Area Yeshiva charity event.

The Ashar Hockey team commends the "better well done then well said" attitude of these young men and we our proud to lend our support to their worthy charity effort.

Ashar Hockey will donate for raffle an official framed Israel National Ice Hockey Team jersey autographed by the entire Israeli National Ice Hockey Team including its Stanley Cup Champion coaches Jean Perron (Montreal Canadians) and Craig Button (Dallas Stars), valued at $1,500.00

In addition the Ashar Hockey team will pledge to help raise $500 in support, of the people of the town of Sderot.

We hope other yeshiva's in our area will join Ashar with financial support. This not only for the people of Sderot but for the courage of these three young men who took the big risk in asking those outside the comfort of their school for support. We feel their efforts to help the people of Sderot is worth our attention.

After all, this is not about school or town pride. It's about coming together for all we really stand for.

To participate directly in the Israeli National Ice Hockey Jersey Raffle click HERE.

For more information about the" Skate for Sderot" Tournament visit http://www.skateforsderot.blogspot.com/

Battle fo Division Title Begins

Take a well padded gym, a referee who was one of the strongest and most physical defenseman ever to play in the Yeshiva High School Hockey League and two teams who love to play hard hitting - "give it all you got" hockey, and you have all the ingredients that made up tonight's Westchester Day School vs Ashar home game.

This was "Street Hockey" the way it's supposed to be played before it softened to "floor hockey". Battling for position, playing to the game level, and a no time to cry for a penalty.

You know a team can really play hockey when it can adjust to the level of competition needed. Westchester Day and Ashar showed each other they really can step it up and play the true hockey game.

By the end of the 2nd period both teams muscled their way to a 3-3 tie.

In net for Ashar goalie Yoni Winfield, making all kinds of saves to help keep Ashar in contention.

Donny Fuchs taking key passes from his linemate blasted all three Hat-trick goals for Ashar.

In the end it was missing star defenseman Micheal Katznelson that seemed make the big difference for Ashar. Micheal, who lost a battle earlier in the month against a moving car, will be out for the next 6 weeks with a broken leg.

In the final period though it was Westchester Day who pulled ahead and went on to victory.

Kudos to Coaches Falkenstein and Binstock who knew to leave the "petty calls" to for lesser teams. All the coaches having enough confidence in their players not to look for referee assistance and let the pysical game play on.

Kudos as well to the fine Westchester players. Top to bottom you took the hits and kept on coming. You guys can play.

History has Westchester always winning our first encounters each the season, and Ashar always winning the second. We will see if history can once again repeats itself in a few weeks.

Special mention for Mathew Povman who had a hat-trick for Westchester (even while being shadowed by the Ashar defense). Mathew the winner of the game's MVP honors and awarded the games MVP ESPN merchandise , Mission Hockey equipment, a Bauer hockey stick, Ben and Jerry's Ice cream coupons and assorted other items.

Well done Mathew.

Sometimes its not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. Tonight, both these teams, played the game.

Click here for pictures.

Ashar Hockey Opens Season with a Win.

Ashar Hockey opened its 2007-2008 Season tonight with a win over North Shore Hebrew Academy.

It was a team effort all the way, with many of Ashar Hockey's younger players coming thru with outstanding performances.

Big goals came early from Max Rimberg (with 2), Donny Fuchs and Isaac Selter.

On fire tonight was the "Line 2" combination of Ross "Pablo" Chanofsky and Avi "Roberto" Shatkin . Hustle from this line combined with "Roberto's" stellar passing helped, "Pablo" come away as the night's scoring leader with 3 pretty hat-trick goals.

Sixth grader Brian Frenkel became Ashar's youngest ever starting line player. Brian's defensive game was flawless against North Shores older and larger first line players. While in net, Yoni (the Wall) Winfield rejected all of North Shore's attempts to get on the score board during the first and second periods of play.

For the final period, goalie Jason Fischman would help defend Ashar's goal and lead the team to victory.

Overall, it was a well balanced win for Ashar, with all our players contributing either offensively of defensively for the good of the team.

Ashar Host Yavneh for Pre-Season Inter-League Scrimmage Game

Tonight marked the official return of hockey to the Ashar Hockey Gym for the 2007-2008 season. In interleague play Ashar hosted Yavneh Hockey for a pre-season exhibition scrimmage game.

These games give both coaches and players a chance to see how well teams play at game speed. To experiment and decide what forward and defensive lines work, all the while giving younger first year players a chance to see some court time they might not normally be able to get.

The game was played well by all lines on both teams. Yavnehs 4th and 5th lines most impressive, showing great depth and a continued bright future for Yavneh Hockey.

After the game the teams shared a pizza and drinks dinner together in Ashar's lunchroom.

Special thanks to the Law Offices of Bruce W. Minsky, P.C. for sponsoring this season opening event.

Ashar Hockey Honors Israel Ice Hockey Team with Galla Monsey Event and $10,000 Donation

An estimated 1,000 fans packed Sportorama Ice Complex cheering on the Israel National Junior Ice Hockey Team at a Charity Exhibition Game in Monsey New York vs the local Ramapo Saints ice hockey team. Ashar Hockey proud of its International efforts to have the team visit Monsey NY during its 2007 North America Goodwill Tour.

After the Monsey Israel Ice Hockey Game members of the Ashar Hockey team present Sergei Matin, President of the Israel Ice Hockey Federation and it's Chairman, Alan Maislin with Ashar Hockey's check in the amount of $10,000 in support of the Israel Junior National Ice Hockey Program.

Israel Answers Ashar Hockey's call.

[ click above ]

It was around this time last year that the Ashar Hockey team gathered together early one morning during succot vacation. Putting on our Ashar jerseys for the first time that season, we were boarding our team bus while most other classmates were still in bed. There were no school games during vacations, everyone knew that. Yet, we all knew we had a hockey game we had to go to.

Arriving at the ice rink in Manhattan, one could really feel the tension in the air. Strangely, this it was not our team that was competing, yet it was “our team” that was playing.

Since we were old enough to remember our parents rabbiem and teachers told us of the love we need to have for Israel. All those Hatikvahs, Israel chessed projects, Yom Haatzmaut celebrations and Israeli Day parades, all designed to help us remember, appreciate and show support to the land and people of Israel.

Last year when Ashar Hockey learned that one of the Israeli Junior National Ice Hockey Team’s stops on it’s 2006 10 city North American Goodwill Tour was New York, we understood it was our obligation to go.

Israeli’s boys, junior ambassadors for the State of Israel were coming to our city. They were coming to show us what they had accomplished and to let us know what dreams they had. They were coming to see and meet us. To make connections and bonds with a people they felt would support their dream of representing “our” country on the world stage.

When the Israeli team emerged from the locker room to take the ice that day , one was immediately struck by their beautifully modern designed Magen Dovid ice hockey jersey. You were dead if you did not feel an overwhelming sense of pride simply consume you.

One could not help but feel a little guilty as we cheered on the “foreign boys”, hoping the Americans would lose. Not one of us could have ever imagined we would ever be rooting against Americans. It was a reaffirmation to all of us as to who we really were.

The Ashar Hockey was called center ice that day after an Israeli win and made a donation of $1000 to the members of the Israeli Junior team in support of their dreams. We took pictures with our Israeli brothers for the newspapers and TV people. Our two team standing shoulder to shoulder, jerseys mixed, yet it was clear we stood as one team.

The boys swapped autographs talked and made some bonds of friendship.

One of those bonds was feeling of obligation the Israeli boys now felt for our Ashar school. That is what is bringing the Israeli Junior National Hockey Team to Monsey on October 10th.

Our children are learn to support the needy of Israel. Taught by example to raise money for hospitals and bulletproof ambulances. To be ready to send money in support of Israel in time of need.

Does there need to be a tragedy to show support for the boys who will one day join the army and guard our homeland? Can we not show gratitude and support for the children who remain when the rockets fall and borders are crossed? Do we not support our Yankees and Giants?

Just like that day a year ago, and the way it should be everyday, the Ashar Hockey team understands the gratitude we owe these boys. We understand the obligation to welcome and honor these visitors to our city. We look forward to cheering them on, welcoming them into our homes to meet our children and giving any support and encouragement they need to help assist them strive for their goals. Our goals. After all they are “our team”.

Please consider taking the time to bring the family to see a piece of Israel in our back yard. These boys will travel tens of thousands of miles on this goodwill tour across North America. Showing all the caliber of citizens the state of Israel has to offer.

The Ashar Hockey team is confident that anyone who believes in their heart that they are truly supporters of Israel will too understand this sense of obligation we feel, and will do their best to proudly make it known.

It promises to be a truly rewarding Israel experience right here in Monsey. As your family will get to see and personally greet these fine young men.

For more info click on the Israel Hockey Goodwill Tour Icon above/

As always Ashar Hockey thanks all the Ashar student and parent body for their support. 20 boys have accomplished a lot both on and off the court in the past 2 seasons. We have won 2 division championships for our school and donated over $24,000 to charities in just over a 12 month period. None of this could have been accomplished without our entire school behind us. With your support we will add this event to a proud list of our schools accomplishments.

Additionally, Ashar Hockey is looking for volunteer intersted in helping to house pairs of Israeli player (ages 14-17) in their Monsey homes. Please contact coach David Katznelson 845-705-8890 for more.

ASHAR HOCKEY

Ashar Hockey Gathers for 2008 Season

The 2008 Ashar Hockey Team gathered for it's first official practice of the 2007-2008 season.

All the usual suspects were present as 16 players from last seasons team returned for active duty along with the 4 returning draftees from the past 2006-2007 season.

First order of business team Captains and Alternate Captains.

Seasoned veterans Joey Chesir, Ari Minsky, and Jeremy Rosenblatt will be playing this season with a coveted "A" for Alternate Captain on their team jersey. These boys can wear this proudly as they each show all the characteristics required to be an Alternate. Each leading by example of focus, hustle and dedication to the team.

Speaking of dedication, this years Ashar Hockey Team Captain has displayed years of it as a member of Ashar Hockey. A member of the original Ashar Hockey squad from its inception, this player is now entering an unprecedented 6th season in the league (that's right I said 6th).

This years Ashar Hockey Team Captain, a no brainer in everyones book. Mr.Hockey himself..... Donny Fuchs.

Disney Company and ESPN honor ASHAR Hockey Team

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The Ashar Hockey Team boarded the luxury bus today after dismissal heading into Manhattan as the special guests of the Disney Company and ESPN.

After a quick dinner the team was greeted by management and welcomed at New York's ESPNzone. Each one of Ashar Hockey's 30 team members from this season and last were given a $120.00 game card courtesy of the Disney Company and various gifts from our ESPN Sponsors.

For the next 2 and a half hours the ASHAR team did its best to have one of our team members listed as "high scorer" on all the arcade games on ESPNzone's 20,000 square foot gaming floor.

We have many gifted athletes on our team obviously. Virtual baseball, boxing, tennis, soccer, football, basketball, horse racing even fishing and skeet shooting. All no match for our kids. ESPNzone staff had a hard time keeping up with the drinks needed to keep the boys hydrated.

What a great time we had. Another highlight to another memorable season of the ASHAR Hockey Program.

After all the sports, Ashar Hockey's end of season awards ceremony.

This season's most valuable player trophies awarded to
..... every member of the team. And, they all deserved it.

Along with the individual MVP trophies given to each player, some other assorted gifts from our ESPN sponsor.

Special thanks to all who supported Ashar Hockey this season. Both on the playing surface and in our charitable efforts.

A really big debt of gratitude to all our sponsors and to the parents who helped make this memorable Playoff Championship and charitable season possible.

Of course thanks to David Katznelson who once again handled all the really hard stuff ........ and left us nothing but fun.

Please visit our mid season video page here for a listing of our 2007 sponsors.

Pictures from our ESPNzone experience and our end of season video will be posted to the site in a few days.

Ashar Hockey 2007 Mid Season Video

Ashar Heads to the Semi Finals

Three huge goals helped catapult Ashar to yet another school record, becoming the first ever Ashar Hockey Team to head to the leagues Semi Finals.

It was another great game to watch as Ashar took on the Westchester Day School Wild. Both team serious "up and comers" in a normally Long Island teams dominated league.

Earlier in the season the Wild handed Ashar their first loss of this season. That game seemed to be the wake-up call that the Ashar players needed this season. If Ashar was going to win games, it needed to have only one speed; Hustle.

Yesterday once again Ashar showed they had hustle, grit and determination in the 3-2 playoff victory over Westchester.

The game could have gone either way in this see-saw battle. Both teams equally balanced.

The difference, Ashar game MVP Yoni Winfield, who once again had an amazing performance in front of our net.

The games big goals supplied by Joey Katz, Donny Fuchs and Daniel Silvermintz with the stunning game winner late in the third.

Special mention goes to the fans who made the trip to Westchester to cheer Ashar on. It made all the difference. We hope to see you again next week on Long Island when Ashar Faces HANC in the Semi Finals.

A Sign of Big Things Coming to Ashar Hockey

Ashar Hockey welcomes it's latest corporate sponsor. A Vice President of a Pittsburgh based startup company called Wallhogs emailed us a few weeks back saying;

"I stumbled upon your website and was amazed by your charitable activities. It is so important to give back and what your organization has achieved is to be praised. The support your organization has given to the Alan T. Brown Foundation is so very impressive that I was called to action."

Ashar Hockey looks to be involved in "big things", and the Wallhogs company makes big things.

Wallhog's specializes in custom large prints made from photos or artwork. Their life size enlargements printed on either reusable vinyl, glossy poster paper or fine art canvas are simply spectacular and make for very original and impressive conversation pieces in schools, businesses or at home.

Shortly a Wallhogs print of the 2007 Ashar Hockey team (hopefully with a caption "Playoff Champs" or better) will be hung in our school gym curtiousy of the Wallhog company, and you will be able to see for yourself the quality of this their product.

I would encourage everyone to visit Wallhogs.com and consider giving their fast and easy online service a try fpr business or personal use. I trust you will be glad you did.

Ashar Hockey welcomes Wallhog's as a corporate sponsor and thanks them for their kind words and actions of support.

Ashar Team Responds Quickly

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All season long Coach Dave yelled at the team, ran them hard till they dropped and flattened players against the boards with 200 lbs body checks.

At last weeks practice, forward Jason Klein's stick "accidentally" got a tad bit too high and struck coach Dave smack across the bridge of his nose, cutting the coach.

The members of the Ashar Team responded quickly to the emergency, and with in minutes of the incident voted unanimously to make Jason Klein this years Ashar Hockey Most Valuable Player.

Congratulations to Jason for his outstanding stick work, and for accomplishing what so many on the team have only dreamed of.

ESPN Player of the Week

Hockey practice for Ashar began back in October. This year a lot of kids in our school who never played hockey before decided to try out for the hockey team.

In order to really excel in hockey you really have to grasp an understanding of the concepts of position. Without that understanding an entire team chases the puck around and around like a flock of chickens.

If a rookie player picks up that concept early he then can begin to focus on improving his game.

This week's Player of The Week worked hard to learn all he could about hockey. Needing to understand all aspects of the sport, this player asked 64,385 questions this season. For the most part coaches try to answer them all. Though we still are researching his question; "what type of foam is used in the pads on the wall of the gym."?

Ari Minsky could have won player of the week just about every week this season. During all our scrimmages Ari is all hustle. It was early in the season that Ari's hockey stick wore out and he needed to buy a new one. That's how hard he plays.

Always eager to get on the court. Always eager to help the coaches set up. Always eager to be everyone's linemate.

This weeks ESPN's Ashar Hockey Player of the Week and one of my favorite personalities on the team; ARI MINSKY.

From rookie to raising star. Great work all season, Ari.

Whos perfect?

An undefeated HALB team rolled into Monsey for the last game of the 2007 regular season. By the end of the evening a great HALB team rolled out of Monsey a little nervous, but still undefeated.

Fans who made the long trip from Long Island and our own Ashar fans who came to see this home game were not disappointed. It was 36 full minutes of fast paced hard hitting hockey. No team ever having more than a 1 goal lead on the other. The teams battled it out in front of the nets, up along the boards and in the corners. Both team struggling against the other to gain a lead.

With under 4 minutes remaining the game was deadlocked at 3 -3. Halb's perfect season was in jeopordy. Like a true championship team though Halb found its opportunity and took advantage of it, scoring with just under 3 minutes left in the game. HALB then able to hold off Ashar's assaults to go on to win the game 4-3.

Ashar Hockey tips it's hat to great players of this HALB team and their coach Eli Brazil for their undefeated 8-0 regular season.

Great Game. We hope to get a chance to catch you guys in the playoffs.

Game Pictures.

Ashar Hockey once again shocks the league

"Upset of the year" was the term used a few times last night when the Ashar Hockey team overtook the talented HANC hockey team in a 3-2 victory out on Long Island.

Ashar goal tender Yoni Winfeild was virtually unbeatable, allowing in only 2 of the 3500 shots fired his way. Glove saves, blocker saves, kick save, diving saves. You name the save, Yoni made it.

Goalies can help keep a team in a game, but goalies alone can't win games. In order to win games a goalie needs a team behind him. With this win the league got a clear message that Ashar has that team.

Its important to remember that the teams we face look to beat us. We have let everyone know all season "what we are playing for".... "Championship". Sometimes in order to live up to that stated goal difficult coaching decisions need to be made. Coaches must take into account the size speed and ability of each player before sending them out on the court. No getting game time in no way reflects a team members importance to the team.

Josh Gold and Sam Gelman did not have a great game against HANC with out the help of players like Ari Minsky or Maxx Rimberg. Both Ari and Maxx drilling that defensive line hard all season long in our practices.

Oscar Fisher and Daniel Silvermintz did not kill a 4 on 2 powerplay against HANC's top four players by chance. It was the speedy Isaac Selter, Ross Chanofsky, Jeremy Rosenblatt and Josh Birmbaum who in scrimmages helped prepare Oscar and Daniel for this challenge.

Donny Fuchs and Jason Klein could not be the playmakers that they are without the practice they get playing against solid defensemen like Brian Frenkle, Jesse Schwalb or our backup goalie Jason Fischman.

Ashar's entire forward line knows how to battle hard for position in front of the net and along the boards simply because they practice against Joey Chesir, one of the league's strongest defenseman.

Half a dozen parents and grandparents made the close to 4 hour round trip drive to witness the Ashar Hockey team play this game and to cheer us on. Many knowing full well that their child may not even hit the court. (In fact none of them did.) They came to support the team however. They come to support our efforts of all season long. They came to support all our players whether they get court time or not. They support the team and see the value of every team members contribution. That is what team play is all about.

I asked Yoni Winfeild after the game if the cheers of those parents seated behind him kept him pumped up at all? His reply........ "It was great".

Truthfully................. it was really great for all of us.

Ashar Hockey ships cameras to Sinai Program

A shipment of 6 Polariod digital cameras was sent this afternoon to the Sinai Special Needs Institute of Livingston New Jersey.

Ashar Hockey donating one camera to the students of each of the Institutes 6 classes.

Ashar wins big game at home

Sunday's victory against Har Torah makes the loss the night before against Haftr even harder to swallow. Instead of a "two game win weekend" Ashar would just have to settle with one win (and one we should have won).

Sunday's win though a big one for us none the less . Its always a pleasure to play at home and treat our energetic fans to a win.

Great defensive game played all around. Special mention has to go to Josh ("D" Fence) Gold and Sammy ("D" Bull) Gelman. Each as predicted well on their way to Ashar's 2007 rookies of the year honors. Great game guys.

Credit Daniel Silvermintz with not just a 4 goals day, but arguably 2 of the nicest Ashar Hockey goals ever scored.

Donny Fuchs once again had 2 surgical strikes adding to his goal totals.

Above Donny granting a rare interview with a Reporter for the Rockland Jewish Week.

With two goals and 4 assists vs Har Torah according to Shalomsports.com, the official website of the leauge, our own 7th grader Oscar Fisher now becomes the league's Points and Assists leader. Averaging better than 5 points a game, Oscar , is just 1 goal away from being the leagues leading goal scorer as well.

Just a word to say thanks.

Ashar Hockey has a message for all those who participated in assisting us raise $23,000 for the charities of our choice over the past 12 months.

See our message by clicking HERE.

Ashar Hockey takes tough loss on the road.

It was late and we were tired. At least that is the way it looked in the first period. As if the 'D" was sleep walking.

By the second and third periods Ashar seemed to wake up and it started to look like a hockey game again. Ashar out scoring Haftr in the two final periods.

As the saying goes though; "you snooze, you lose", and that's exactly what happened. Snooze in the first, and lost.

The score was just 6-5 with a little over two minutes left. A final defensive mental lapse of the night made the score 7 -5 and it ended that way.

Over all it was an even game, the difference was the many big saves made by the Flame's goalies.

Haftr a great bunch of boys and it' s always a pleasure to play them. We look forward to hopefully seeing them again in the playoffs.

Ashar Hockey gets a call from Israel

The Israeli Hockey Federation announced today that the Israeli National Junior Ice Hockey has decided to accept the invitation of the Ashar Hockey Team and come to Monsey during thier 2007 North American Tour.

The Israeli National Junior Ice Hockey Team comprising of boys 15-18 are scheduled to arrive in Monsey as guests of the Ashar Hockey Team on October 10th, 2007.

The Ashar Hockey Team will sponsor ice time at Sportorama Ice Rink in Monsey for the Israeli team on the morning of October 10th for a team practice.

The Ashar Program has been in contacted with the Student Activities Directors of many of the major Yeshiva elementary schools, high schools and JCC's in the tri state area in order to coordinate a gala reception for the boys of this Israeli Junior team.

On the evening of October 11th at Sportorama Ice Rinks, the plan is to host an Israeli Team Exhibition Game and a post game party in honor of the Israeli Junior Team with the participation of those yeshiva students, the JCC's members and Jewish community at large.

In addition Ashar Hockey will be coordinating a fund raising drive with a goal of donating $10,000 to the Israeli Hockey Federation for program development.

The Israeli Hockey Federation is currently developing the Israeli's Junior Program in an effort to be the State of Israel's first ever hockey team to qualify for Winter Olympic Games.

Many of these boys will soon be protecting the State of Israel on our behalf as they join the Israeli Military. What better way to show these young men that the American Jewish families appreciate their efforts not only defending Israel but representing it as well on the world stage.

Over the next few month the Ashar Hockey Program will be actively looking for sponsors, participants and volunteers to help make October 11th 2007 evening a very special one for the boys of this Israeli Junior Ice Hockey Team.

Please contact the Ashar Hockey program via email (by clicking the contact link to the right of this page) if you would like more information on this event.

ESPN looks to honor Ashar Hockey Team.

Ashar Hockey recieved a call today from our friends over at ESPN.

The Entertainment Sports Programing Network would like to offer it's New York City ESPN Zone facilities to the Ashar Hockey team as their guests for a private team party.

Though some kosher food issues need to be worked out, what ESPN graciously offers is the following;

ESPN Zone will close off it's entire 2nd and 3rd floors for the exclusive use of the Ashar Hockey Team. This includes the luxury ESPN Sky Box Room for our "end of season" team party and team awards ceremony.

The entire 3rd floor 10,000 square foot "Sports Arena" gaming floor will be open only for members of the Ashar Hockey Team, with 2 hours unlimited free gaming compliments of our ESPN hosts.

ESPN had offered to fully cater the entire event for us. Once made aware of our Kosher food needs, and limited by contractual restrictions with their in-house caterers, ESPN offered to pay for the entire team to dine at nearby Glatt Kosher Abigale's prior to arriving to a reserved ESPN Zone.

A date for such a event has not been finalized, though we preferably are looking at a night with a good NHL hockey game being played so that we can watch it from the Sky Box Room on ESPN Zone's massive TV walls.

More info will be provided as we get closer to a date.

Ashar clinches a playoff position.

Because of the new way the league was structured for this season, and because of our teams winning record, Ashar clinched a playoff position just midway thru the season.

This takes great deal of pressure off our relatively "rookie team" as we go on to face some of the more seasoned teams in the second half of the season.

It will allow us some time though to really prepare for what is sure to be a challenging playoff fight.

Ashar Hockey closes the deal.

Sunday January 28th 2007 Ashar Hockey lived up to it's corporate sponsorship commitment closing the deal with a $10,000 charitable donation made to the Alan T. Brown Foundation to Cure Paralysis.

Attending the the Brown Foundation's "Family Fun Day" in Manhattan members of the Ashar team had just that , a "fun day". Let me rephrase that......We had a "great day".

What an event! Great gaming, great contests, prizes and all you can eat catered food.

Near the close of the festivities members of the Ashar Hockey team in the spotlight to announce the big winner of our Polaroid 37 inch Flat Panel HDTV Raffle.

Box number 142 the winner. Wayne and Andrea Odinsky of Woodmere, New Jersey. Congratulations!

The final item of business for Ashar Hockey, presenting the Alan T. Brown Foundation with our donation in the amount of $10,000.

Closing a 12 month period, the Ashar Hockey team making donations in excess of $22,000 to various charities.

All while winning a few games along the way.

Ashar Hockey in the News Again ???

Doesn't it seems like every other week Ashar Hockey gets in the newspaper? Actually though it was less than 'every other week'. Twelve days to be exact.

Picking up from the reporter interviews taken when NY Ranger Dave White and Billy Hannigan visited Ashar, the Journal News thought our charitable efforts were worth the printing of another article.

Many of our team are on vacation out of the New York Area, so the below link to the Journal News Website is provided.

Ashar Hockey Travels to New York City once again Sunday January 28th to attend the Alan T Brown Foundation Family Fun Day Charity Event. Inflatables, obstacle courses, Teen-Center, "Bling Factory", crafts, photo booths, performers, caricaturists, full kosher catered buffet, gift bags, and much more. Sure to be a fun time time for our team.

Towards the close of the event Ashar Hockey will have the drawing for the winner of our 37 inch Flat Panel Hi Def TV. Ashar Hockey will then present the Brown Foundation with our charitaable check in the amount of $10,000.00.

To read the Newspaper article in its online form click HERE.

Ashar Hockey Donates Digital Cameras to Sinai Special Needs Program.

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Ashar Clinches Playoff Spot

With our last win the Ashar Hockey team clinches a playoff position in a quest toward the league championships.

Yoni Winfeild and Jason Fischman both flawless, splitting goalie duty in Ashar's first shut-out win of the season.

Once again it was a full team effort. Most notably first liner Donny Fuchs with the big hat trick, with help from his line mate Jason Klein. Joey Chesir, Michael Katznelson and Jesse Schwalb secured the defense for Ashar all night. While Ari Minsky and Isaac Selter showed why speed is key in this game.

Every time you looked up Jeremy Rosenblatt and Shaulie Naumberg were peppering the opposing goalie with rapid fire wrist and slap shots. Meanwhile, Joey Katz simply leaned in as if to say "excuse me boys" and efficiently picked an upper corner of the goal for a score. Joey's get second goal of the season.

The big story coming out of the Island though was Maxx Rimberg.

In just his very first season Maxx, with his goal in the third period, overtaking his famous hockey brother and just like that becoming the Rimberg Family all-time scoring leader.

After the game it was pizza dinner for the team at our favorite Great Neck hang out Elite Pizza Shop, before our bus ride back home.

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