Ashar Hockey News

Ashar Hockey Heads to Division Championships

2009-02-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

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.

***********************

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.

2009-01-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T06:22:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-11-20T04:47:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-06-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

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

Ashar Hockey to Retire Donny Fuchs #11 Jersey

2008-06-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

(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

2008-02-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

( 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.

2008-02-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

( 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

2008-02-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

( click above to jump to video page )

Ashar Hockey Clinches Play-Off Position.

2008-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

(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.

2008-01-31T04:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-18T04:56:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-11-26T21:40:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-09-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

[ 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

2007-09-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

(click photo)

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

2007-03-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Ashar Heads to the Semi Finals

2007-03-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

(click to enlarge)

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

2007-03-02T04:37:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-02-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

"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

2007-02-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-03T22:43:00.002-08:00

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.

2007-02-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-02T04:52:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-01-30T23:26:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-01-30T22:51:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-01-30T22:18:00.000-08:00

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 ???

2007-01-22T17:54:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-01-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

(click image)

Ashar Clinches Playoff Spot

2007-01-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

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.

[Pictures]

Rookies Show What They Got.

2007-01-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

Whats better than a Saturday night game at your home gym? The answer is simple one.... A win on a Saturday night in your home gym.

Word came this week that the Ashar School plans on erecting a new school building. Better tell the architects to add some more seats to that plan, as the Ashar Hockey fans base keeps growing and growing. Definitely standing room only, if you were even lucky enough to find a spot to stand. The entire Gym packed to capacity.

The big story though not the win or the sold out gym. The big story tonight; Ashar's Rookies.

Each one playing their position with confidence and skill.

In net Jason Fischman showed he is ready to follow the great Ashar goalies who played before him. Jeremy Rosenblatt scoring his first goal of the season. Issac Selter exploding out of the zone for a break-a-way. Ari Minsky fore checking seasoned YCQ 8th graders. Brian Frankel coming away victor time after time in the defensive zone battling opposing players 3 times his weight. While Ross Chanofsky and Jason Birmbaum cleared the zone past YCQ's veteran players. Big defensive games came out as well from second year players Joe Chesir and Michael Katznelson. Donny Fuchs recording his 3rd goal of the season with a nice pass from his linemate Jason Klein in the second period.

Being his birthday after all, Daniel Silvermintz deserved some attention too. Just to make sure he got it, Daniel buried 3 goal deep into the net for a big "hat trick" birthday celebration night.

Thanks to all our fans who once again packed the house and helped to cheer us on to victory.

Ashar Hockey Gets Some Special Visitors

2007-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

(click above photo for more images)

Yesterday 5th thru 8th grade classes got a special treat.

Two members of the New York Rangers Sled Hockey team came to address the students and to personally thank the members of the Ashar Hockey team for a donation of $1,000 in support of tournament expenses. Additionally the Ranger's commending the Ashar Hockey Programs efforts to once again raise ten thousand dollars this year for donation to the Alan T Brown Foundation to Cure Paralysis.

As you may recall Ashar Hockey traveled to the Prudential North East Sled Hockey Tournament. There hockey players with spinal cord injuries form accidents or birth defects competed in the sport of Sled Hockey. Strapped into special sleds, player use their arms and specially modified hockey sticks to propel themselves on the ice.

At that event Ashar Hockey called to center ice before the fans to present the donation to the team. Billy Hannigan and David White are two members of that inspirational team.

Billy and Dave spoke to the kids about sport safety equipment and gave them some awareness as to the prevention of spinal cord injuries. Billy (paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in 1995) proud to run a slide show to display how with specially modified chairs he can continue to participate in the active sport life he loves, including ice hockey, basketball, tennis, skiing and more.

Local press covered the special event for the Journal News including the student question and answer session.

The event ended with a special moment when Billy and David asked all the Ashar students to rise and check the back of their seats. Before the students entered the auditorium one random chair was selected to have an Ashar Hockey sticker placed on it. The person lucky enough to sit in that seat was Ms. Rivka Schlusselburg of the 6th grade.

Rivka was called to the stage where our guests awarded her with a new digital camera courtesy of Polaroid Corporation, one of the Ashar Hockey teams Sponsors.

Ashar Hockey would like to thank Billy Hannigan, David White and the United Spinal Association for taking the time to absolutely make our day.

Special thanks as well to Ashar Principal Rabbi M. Beller for seeing the benefit his students could receive from such a special event and allowing Ashar Hockey to take the his school’s students away from their regular classroom schedule to attend the event.

How Can You Play Hockey Without Ice?

2007-01-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

You want ice? ......Ashar Hockey has ice.

Ice cream that is.

Ashar Hockey welcomes its latest team sponsor;

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream of South Burlington Vermont.

Thanks guys for recognizing our charitable efforts, and offering us your support.

Ashar Hosts Yavneh Hockey for Inter-League Scrimmage Game

2007-01-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

(click on the image above)

Ashar Hockey was very excited to host the Yavneh Elementary School Hockey team the first ever meeting of these two teams.

Playing in two separate Yeshiva Hockey Leagues this game was arranged strictly for scrimmage purposes. It would have no effect on either teams standings in their leagues. This was a perfect chance for both teams to experiment with lines, give younger players a chance to really play in a competitive game and give backup goalies some game experience in net.

For Ashar especially this was a great opportunity. With only 6 of our current players actually having more than one game of hockey experience, this was a welcome chance for a crash course in competetive hockey.

Yoni Winfeild, our starting goalie...... one game experience in his career.
Our backup goalie Jason Fischman...... playing in only his first game ever.
Both our second line defenseman.... a whopping 2 months hockey experience lifetime and playng in only their second game.
3rd and 4th line members, having not a single game experience ever.

The first period Ashar agreed to only put out its first and second lines. Both teams instructed though to "play all out." It was a well played first period by both teams and evenly matched. So much so that it was decided to "let them go" one more period.

For the third period Ashar and Yavneh worked the lines backwards letting the 4th string line start, followed by the 3rd line. First and second lines would sit this one out. Both teams backup goalies finished the scrimmage game, delivering shutout periods.

For our 5th and 6 graders, it was one full period of hockey against a "rival school". Something very few 5th and 6th graders ever get to experience.

After the scrimmage, as at every Ashar Hockey game, we award an opposing player (win or lose) as chosen by their Coach, "Player of the Game" honors and merchandise. An ESPN key chain, ESPN notebook, ESPN Monday Night Football hat, and ESPN Player of the Game T-Shirt was awarded to Yavneh's Eitan Zecher for his efforts during the game. All merchandise, courtesy of our friends and Ashar Hockey sponsors, ESPN.

Post game Ashar Hockey hosted Yavneh for a quick pizza dinner before their trip back to New Jersey. A thank you once again to Coca Cola Bottling Company of New York our team sponsor for the post game Powerade refreshments for both teams and to the Silvermitz family for sponsoring all the pizza.

The Yavneh team not only good hockey players, but a great bunch of kids as well. It was a pleasure to host them, and we would look forward to hosting them once again in the near future.

For any who attended this experiment there was no doubt it turned out to be an overwhelming success. "It's not whether you win or lose", someone once said "but how you play the game" . These two teams......they know how to play the game.

Special thanks to Yavneh's Coach Yaniv and the Yavneh School Administration.

Ashar Wins Season Opener.

2006-12-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

Ashar welcomed the Magen Dovid Elementary School hockey team of Flatbush for our first game of the season. With in 12 seconds Daniel Silvermintz had Ashar on the scoreboard, penetrating the defense and lifting one by a stunned MD goalie.

Amazingly so, Magen Dovid was just as quick to respond and before 60 seconds had ticked off the clock the score was tied 1-1.

In a pre-game speech, the boys they were told not to be discouraged by goals scored by the opposing team. Instead they should use that as a cue that it was time to retaliate with 2 goals of our own. Thats is exactly what Ashar did scoring the next two unanswered goals of the game. Including a top-shelf wrister from Donny Fuchs.

The goal of the game (ending up as the winning goal) came from rookie defensive surprise Josh Gold who not only played stellar defense along with his linemate Sam Gelman, but Josh tee'd one up from the point driving the ball home like Tiger Woods at Augusta.

Without a doubt though Ashar's "Player of the Game" had to be goalie Yoni Winfeild who was absolutely spectacular in net for Ashar.

In a surprise presentation prior to the start of the final period of play, the Ashar Hockey team gathered center court before the large home town crowd. Summoned out to join the team, our schools new Principal; Rabbi Mayer Beller.

There the Ashar Hockey Program welcomed Rabbi Beller as the newest member of the team, presenting Rabbi Beller with his very own official Ashar Hockey team jersey.

Ashar continued on to win this season opener
with a final score of 5-3.

Ashar Hockey thanks the coaches and player of Magen Dovid for allowing us the time to make the special presentation to Rabbi Beller during our game.

(click the image below for additional pictures)

ESPN Honors Outstanding Effort

2006-12-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

Last year the Ashar Hockey Program raised $10,000.00, meeting it's charitable goal for the season. This year the team once again is embarking on an effort to match that $10,000.00 goal in a charity fund raising effort for the Alan T Brown Foundation for Spinal Cord Research.

Seven days ago, each member of the team agreed to make an effort to sell raffle tickets for our charity and a chance to win a Polaroid 37 Inch High Definition LCD Flat Panel Television. The television donated to Ashar Hockey by one of our team's corporate sponsors, Polaroid Corporation.

Five $50.00 raffle tickets were given to each team member along with the task of trying to sell them.

Congratulations to Ashar Hockey's Jason Klein for his efforts in being the first member of the Ashar Hockey team to sell out his portion of 5 raffle tickets. Raising $250 towards our $10,000.00 charitable goal.

Jason will be rewarded with an ESPN gift package including; ESPN SportCenter embroidered polo shirt, ESPN College Football hat, ESPN Monday Night Football notebook, ESPN ball point pen, and an ESPN Chromed logo key ring. All from, as you guest it, our team sponsors over at ESPN.

Now I can just about hear other members of the team saying ......"the coaches, never mentioned anything about getting a prize?" You'd be right, we didn't. That's all the more reason why we are proud to reward Jason.

Jason always giving everything hes got for the team both on and off the playing surface.

Well done Jason!

Ashar Hockey Goes to High School

2006-12-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a player just needs to be humbled a bit to realize his game might not be as good as it can be. That was our intentions when the Ashar coaches decided to take a little team field trip to see hockey at the "next level".

Those fortunate enough to stay out late on a school night got to see a real treat; Frisch High School vs MTA Junior Varsity Hockey.

Arriving at Frisch, it was good to see some of last seasons Ashar Hockey stars. Yoni Levy, Ari Cohen and Eli Muschel. Pitted against each other for this game, two other Ashar Hockey stars though. For MTA it was defenseman Michael Berger and in goal for Frisch was Zak Rimberg.

Current Ashar team members were treated to a great game, and got to see what hustle, focus and determination really looks like.

MTA took an early lead but when Zak Rimberg stopped a rarely awarded penalty shot and you could just about feel the momentum in the gym swing toward Frisch's bench.

Frisch finished with a huge come from behind win in a game that could have gone either way. Both teams played well and were evenly matched. Simply put; a great game.

So many good lessons to be learned when you look up a level that our next high school hockey field trip........attendance for Ashar Hockey team members...... will be mandatory.

Click here for photos.

Ashar Hockey Makes Donation To The New York Rangers Sled Hockey Team

2006-11-19T21:04:00.000-08:00

Dateline - Ice House Arena Hackensack New Jersey -

Members of the Ashar Hockey team present the NHL's New York Rangers Sled Hockey team with a check for $1,000 in support of up and coming National tournaments.

The presentation, made center ice after the conclusion of the exciting and well played Prudential Financial Northeast Sled Hockey Tournament.

The funds given in support of the efforts made by these athletes who refused to allow their handicap stop them from competing. Each and every one of their stories an inspirational one.

Ashar Hockey and the Terminal Hockey Charitable Foundation applaud their effort.

Special thanks to the New York Ranger organization and to the people at Prudential Financial for allowing the Ashar team members on the ice during the tournament to make this charitable presentation to the sled team.

Rookies Continue To Make Impressive Showing.

2006-11-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Once again this week the coaching staff is impressed by the efforts of the this years Ashar Hockey rookies and have awarded two of them our ESPN "Players of the Week" honors.

Offensively there is the speedy Jeremy Rosenblatt. Eager to learn, Jeremy is beginning to look more and more comfortable on the court and is possibly developing into a real scoring threat prospect.

Defensively, Byan Frenkel is simply good at taking instruction and fulfilling his defensive assignment. In a scrimmage game against Frisch 9th graders Bryan showed that for a little guy he can really handle his own. I think Ashar has found a future defensive star in Bryan Frenkel.

Jeremy and Bryan each awarded an ESPN Monday Night Football Hat courtesy of our "Player of the Week" sponsor ESPN.

2006-2007 Ashar Hockey Captain and Alternate Captains Announced

2006-10-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was a tight 'team only" vote with all our 8th graders showing they had what it took to be an Ashar team Captain and alternate Captain.

With a difference of only a single vote, congratulations goes to this year's Ashar Team Captain Daniel Silvermitz.

Following close behind in the team vote, Joey Katz and Elan Teichman were chosen as team Alternate Captains.

After the 3 accepted the responsibilities of being team representative and leading by example, it became official.

Daniel, Joey and Elan always give 110% to the team in both practices and games. Coach David and I are proud of the team for making such good choices for this season's team representatives.

Ashar Hockey Invited for Madison Square Garden Tour

2006-10-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the New York Rangers for arranging the Ashar Hockey Team's private tour of Madison Square Garden. This tour was donated to Ashar Hockey in recognition of last years hockey program charitable efforts in which the team raised $10,000.00 for the Alan T Brown Foundation for Paralysis Research..

Once again this year Ashar Hockey will be partnering with the Polaroid Corporation in our charitable effort to help raise yet another $10,000.00 for ATBF at their Family Fun Day Event January 28 2007.

The New York Rangers donation of the MSG tour was only one of the benefits Ashar Hockey received in recognition of its charitable efforts. Still to be scheduled later this year, the private tour of the Rangers MSG training Facility In Tarrytown N.Y. A Team Tour of NBC studios at Rockefeller Center, and an invitation by ESPN to be their special guests at the studio taping of ESPN's Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith, followed by a private party at the ESPN Zone in Manhattan with all ESPN Zone Sports Arena expenses paid.

Some pictures from our day in New York City for the Madison Square Garden tour can be found here.

Thanks To The Israeli National Junior Ice Hockey Team

2006-10-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

(click on image above)

It was to be Ashar Hockey honoring the Israeli National Junior Hockey Team with a donation in support of their North American tour but it was the Israeli team that seemed to honor us.

At the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink New York City 10/12/06 exhibition event the Israeli team proved what the those in Europe had recently found out; This Israeli team can really play.

Before the game against the Chelsea Pier All-Stars, Ashar took center ice along with the Israeli Junior team to present the teams captains with Ashar Hockey Programs $1,000.00 donation.

After the victory, the Israeli Junior boys waited on the ice summoning the Ashar Hockey Team back out to share the spotlight with them before fans, print and the television media.

It was an amazing display of the mutual respect both country's hockey teams had for each other.

Ashar Hockey thanks the Israeli National Junior Hockey Team, its coaches and organizers for making this day truly memorable and emotional experience for our team.

We look forward to continuing our support of the Israeli Junior team with an even greater financial contribution in the future.

-- Thanks also goes to Mr. Tony Ettinger and the Terminal Hockey Charitable Foundation whose sponsorship of Ashar Hockey assisted in our ability to make this contribution to the Isaeli Junior team. --

Thanks for all the kind words.

2006-10-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Ashar Hockey thanks all those who have been calling and emailing the Ashar Hockey Program from around the globe commenting on our Israeli Junior Hockey Team sponsorship.

We have been receiving calls from across the tri state area, across the country, from across our border in Canada, even from across the ocean, with communications coming from England, Germany and Israel.

We thank you for all the kind words.

For those inspired by the Ashar Hockey Program's efforts and accomplishments and wished to become a supporter of the team and it's future charitable work, a "Make a Donation" button has been added to the right margin of this page.

Those who prefer to make donations via mail, our address is;
Ashar Hockey 70 Highview Road Monsey, NY 10952.

Ashar Hockey Media Press Release

2006-10-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

[ The following was sent out to the major media as a press release ]

In the summer of 2006 an invitation was sent out by a local elementary school hockey team to the members of the Israeli National Junior Ice Hockey Team. The Invitation was for the Israeli team to be the guest of the Ashar Elementary School Floor Hockey Program ( boys 10-13 years of age).

The Israeli Team was grateful for the offer to house the team, sponsor the cost of Ice time at a local Ice Rink near the school for an exhibition game and host a meet and greet party at the school.

The kids were a bit disappointed when the Israeli Junior team replied they could not change an existing itinerary to accept the invitation. The Israeli Team did though extend and invitation now to the Ashar Hockey team to be their VIP guests at an Oct 12th exhibition game at New York's Chelsea Piers Sky Rink.

Last season the Ashar elementary school hockey team decided they wanted to play in the "big leagues". The team set out for corporate sponsors and and landed Polaroid Corporation. The deal being; sponsor the ashar team with a $1,000.00 donation and the boys of Ashar Hockey would promote the Polaroid brand in our gym and on road games.

The team also committed to Polaroid that a in return the team would commit to raising 10 times their sponsorship to a mutually agreed upon charity. Last January the 20 member team on its own lived up to its sponsorship commitment and raised $10,000.00 for the Alan T Brown Foundation for Paralysis Research.

The boys interested in now showing the Israeli National Junior team their appreciation and support offered portion of this years Ashar Hockey sponsorship funds to aid the boys of the Israeli team.

The Ashar team in early September was told that the Israeli Team would like to have the entire Ashar Team center ice before the dropping of the puck at 6:00pm at the Oct 12 exhibition game. At that time the entire Israeli national Junior Team will accept a check from these American boys for $1,000.00 in support of their North American Good Will Tour.

Media sports departments are busy with subway series playoffs this week. This is more than a sports story though. This is a story of Elementary school kids learning at very young age the power they can generate in the corporate and international world. It is a great example how kids even at this early age can band together and make a big difference.

Last season the Ashar team was expected to finish in last place in their floor hockey league, but surprised everyone and won a division championship, The first Hockey Title in the school's 50 plus year history. Much of the amazing things they accomplished off the playing surface translating into a new kind of confidence on the playing surface.

This year the team eager to continue its charity work and the benefits it affords them. A 2007 $10,000 charity drive was already in the works before the team even had its first practice.

Having print and television coverage to tell this story would surely be of inspiration to many students, teams, coaches and parents. It might even spark more corporate interest in school programs and the good they can accomplish.

Rookie Awarded Season's First ESPN Player of the Week Honor

2006-09-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Each week our ESPN sponsor has asked that one player be named Ashar Hockey's ESPN "Player of the Week". This is to be the player who shows the most effort, focus and desire to improve.

Dave and I don't get easily impressed that often. But this kid impressed us.

He walked on the court with a goal of trying to make the 2007 team. By the end of the week he walked away with this years first ESPN Player of the Week honor.

Not every 10 or 11 year old wakes up one day to says "I need try out for a sport that has players shoot really really hard objects right me at super high speeds". This player not only wanted to try out for the Ashar Hockey Team but wanted to do so in the toughest most demanding position. Goalie.

His focus and determination just to be the teams backup goalie was impressive enough. Working together with current Frisch Hockey star and former Ashar Hockey goalie phenom Zak Rimberg , this rookie's enthusiasm and work ethic during this past week's practices makes this week's choice for ESPN Player of the Week a no brainer.

Setting the bar high.....Congratulations to this week's
ESPN PLAYER OF THE WEEK.........JASON FISCHMAN.

Jason awarded an ESPN Monday Night Football Hat courtesy of ESPN

Letter To Parents

2006-09-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

[ The following "Letter To Parents" was written for the last years Ashar Hockey Program team. The concept remains the same today, thus I am posting this letter once again this 2007 season. ]

Dear Ashar Hockey Parent,

Congratulations! Your son has been chosen to be part of the Ashar Floor Hockey Team.

Once again, this year an extra effort has been made to go beyond the normal 14 player cut off in order to give some of the less talented, younger players a chance to develop their games. Twenty students have tried out for the team.

Twenty students displayed a desire to play and improve their games. Each one of these students showed heart and a love for the game and so a decision has been made by the coaching staff not to shatter any players dream to be on the school hockey team.

The team is definitely making a sacrifice by having these additional players. Practices now become more difficult and an extra effort must be made to help the weaker players to improve. But the players and the coaches are willing to give up a little to encourage these players.

Currently, however, not all 20 students possess the skill level needed to play in the floor hockey league in which Ashar competes. The team objective though cannot be sacrificed on game day. Although it will undoubtedly be difficult for any child to sit on the sidelines on game day, it is a valuable sporting lesson for a child to understand that the team must field its best 14 players come game time. While we will make every effort to play as many students as possible, realistically, there may be students who potentially might not see any game time this year.

I have stressed this point many times at practice. I’ve told the team honestly that some of them have made the team based on future potential, not their current ability. When asked if they would still like to be part of the team for practices even if they never got to play in a single game this year, your child raised his hand and replied yes, (as captured in the image below)an attitude and a commitment that I truly admire and respect.

Your children will have had two practices by the time you receive this letter. I don’t think you will find one child who will say that he didn’t enjoy the sweat and hard work he put into it. All of these boys are excited to be on the team and look forward to getting their team jerseys. I will not cut one of these kids. They all have what it takes to enjoy this game of hockey, and to be better players for future teams.

I encourage you to talk with your son to confirm for yourself his desire to participate on the team no matter the game time. I hope you, too, will appreciate his admirable enthusiasm for the game. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to a enjoyable hockey season with your children.

Sincerely,

Coach Steve

Ashar Hockey Program 2007 Try-Outs Results

2006-09-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following

students who have made the

2007 Ashar Hockey Program Team.

Joshua Birnbaum, Ross Chanofsky, Joey Chesir,

Jason Fischman, Ashra Fishman, Bryan Frenkel, Donny Fuchs, Sam Gelman, Josh Gold,

Joey Katz, Michael Katznelson, Jason Klein, Shaulie Naumberg,

Ari Minsky, Maxx Rimberg, Jeremy Roseblatt, Jesse Schwalb,

Isaac Selter, Daniel Silvermintz, Elan Teichman, Yoni Winfeild.

Official Start of the 2007 Ashar Hockey Program

2006-09-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

2006 Season Video

2006-06-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

If the video does not display properly
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Division Championship Trophies Arrive with Fire and Ice

2006-03-31T16:05:00.000-08:00

Today marked the official close of the 2005-2006 Ashar hockey season,
with the surprise lunch time arrival of Ashar Hockey's 2006 Division Championship Trophy.

Thanks to the Tallman NY Fire House for helping the school celebrate its first championship title in ten years. The lights, sirens and horns blasting letting all know something special was happening at Ashar this day. [see a video clip here.]

Along with the 4 foot tall school's Division Championship trophy engraved with all players names, each member of the team received individualized trophies marking their achievements this season.

Ice cream for the entire school, generously donated by Faye Cohen and Rikki Rimberg, capped the celebration and the end of a memorable year for Ashar Hockey.

Though this school season is over, hockey lives on for this year's Ashar Hockey Program.

Two hours after the below pictures were taken the team was scrimmaging on the ice at Sportorama Ice Rinks.

The next few weeks....... Fridays will be Ashar Ice Hockey practice days.

Ashar Hockey Rocks The House

2006-03-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Close to 300 fans packed the Ashar gym last night. There were fans cramped on the bleachers, fans squeezed up on the balconies and fans wedged tightly behind the gym's boards like sardines.

We had already reached Division Championship and this was Ashar's shot to to reach the league championships. Our opponent, Hanc Elemetary School Of Long Island.
A loss meaning the elimination of one team from the championship.

The game was well balanced. At the end of the first period Ashar went to the locker rooms down 2-0.

This was a confident Ashar Team though. The feeling in the locker room... "We could win this game".

At the start of the 2nd period the noise level in the gym started to rise. Joe Katz broke the ice with Ashar's first goal. The gym exploded in cheers. Eitan Selter increased the noise level further when he ripped one past HANC's goalie to tie it all up.

The game evenly matched. Both school teams playing their hardest in end to end hockey. The 2nd period ending in a 2-2 tie.

It sounded like Madison Square Garden when the Ashar team came into the gym for the start of the 3rd. Fans cheering. A few minutes into the period the gym's walls actually shook when Donny Fuchs scored to put Ashar into the lead. The fans went wild.

It might have very well been the single greatest sporting high in Ashar's entire 50 year history.

It looked like all momentum was ours.

Give the HANC team all the credit they are due. Ashar had its great comback, and in a display of the competitive balance of these two teams, HANC wanted to show they could do the same.

All the fans were treated to an exciting game that could easily have gone either way. With three unanswered goals in the third though, a quality HANC team came away victorious when the buzzer sounded ending the game. The final 5-3 HANC over Ashar.

The Ashar team wishes the boys of HANC the best of luck in the championships.

As for the Ashar Hockey Program, we still have a few more months of Floor and Ice Hockey fun left.

Next practice..... Friday 2:30pm - 4:00pm....... See you there.

Rimberg Wins League "Goalie of the Year" and is named Ashars 2006 MVP

2006-03-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

On a hockey court, your net is considered your home. No one is meant to intrude upon your home.

The saying goes "charity begins at home"..........well, defense begins at home too, and home is where Zack Rimberg lives.

Ashar Hockey's theme this season was "defense is everything". A teams defense must be built on a solid foundation or the whole concept crumbles. Ashars rock solid foundation this season was Zack Rimberg.

A goalie giving up a bad goal can deflate even the best of teams. But adversely, an amazing save made your goalie during a game can inspire a team rise. This season with so many spectacular saves, Zack Rimberg did not just keep his team in the game, he fueled his team to excel. Everyone in the league noticed it and they named Zack "Goalie of the Year".

Well we noticed it too.

Some teams struggle over who will win their teams MVP. For this entire Ashar Hockey team, it was a no brainier..........

Ashar Hockey 2005- 2006 Most Valuable Player - Zack Rimberg

Ashar Hockey get formal invitation from the NY Rangers.

2006-03-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

Our formal invitation from the New York Rangers to visit the teams private MSG Rangers Training Center in Tarrytown NY has been received. Special arrangements have been made for members of the Ashar Hockey Team to be dismissed from school early on Thursday March 23, 2006. We will be boarding the team bus at the school at 4:15pm and heading over towards the private training center.

Once allowed thru the security gates Victor Calise, Sports Marketing Director of the United Spinal Association and member of the New York Rangers Sled Hockey Team will take our team on a guided tour of the exclusive MSG Rangers Training Center. The team will be allowed to watch the Sled Hockey team practice, and later be allowed on the Ranger Training Center ice for a private team scrimmage.

Mr. Calise has made these very special arrangements in recognition of Ashar Hockey's charitable work this year for the Alan T Brown Foundation.

Please be sure to bring your Ashar team uniform and all your hockey equipment to school this day. We will be traveling to Westchester during dinner time so please pack something to eat and drink while on the bus both to and from.

The Official NY Ranger schedule has the Rangers off that day. Bring your digital camera you never know ...... your favorite NHL player might be hanging around the facility.

Our bus will be returning back to the Ashar sometime between 10:00 and 11:00pm

2006-03-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

Sunday School For Ashar Hockey

2006-03-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it was not Ashars usual Sunday School; but it was Sunday and it was during school hours and we are the Ashar Hockey team, so technically we were in school.

First Period - Ice Hockey
Second Period - Ice Hockey
Third Period - Ice Hockey

11:30am - Powerade Break
12:00pm - Pizza Lunch

12:45pm - Dismissal

Thanks to Terminal Hockey for the Ice Rental and Pizza sponsorship and once again to Coca Cola for the Powerade supplied.

Easton Hockey Leading Goal Scorer Award

2006-03-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

If hockey coaches could scientifically make a hockey player, the following would be part of the DNA;

Speed - Hustle - The Constant Drive and Desire to Improve -
Quick Reflexes - Great Work Ethic - Team Leadership Skills - And A Never Quit Attitude.

Add a really great kid to that mix and you will have
Ashar Hockey's Number 8 Eitan Selter.

Dave and I could not have asked for an all round better player this season than Eitan.

Besides his great game, Eitan is an inspiration to everyone on the team. Setting high standards every time he sets foot on the court. Helping to elevate not just every player on the team but us as coaches as well.

In our eyes this Easton Award does not validate Eitan;
it is Eitan Selter who validates this Easton Award.

click on the image to enlarge

(thanks to Eason Hockey a 2006 Ashar Hockey Program sponsor)

Ashar Inks Deal With IBA IHA Camp for 2006-2007 Season

2006-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

IBH IHA Summer Camps of Sidney, New York today finalized its sponsorship agreement with Ashar Hockey for the 2006-2007 hockey season.

Ashar Hockey is proud to be associated with a summer camp such as IBA IHA that has produced and refined many of todays best yeshiva athletes.

The IHA Hockey Program is recognized as one of the best hockey intense programs around.

The camp, for boys and girls ages 9-16(4th grade through 10th grade), though well known for Basketball and Hockey is also well rounded with a great variety of other summer sports, programs and activities.

In addition to the daily learning (an optional Bet Midrash program), there are weekly trips throughout the summer mountain biking, white water rafting, paintballing, banana boating.

The camp is exceptionally managed and run by the camps owners Bobby & Ruby Kaplan.

The Ashar Hockey thanks IBA IHA Camps for its generous financial support to our program.

Visit IBA IHA Camp by clicking the logo below for more info.

Ashar Fans Voted This Season's MVP

2006-03-05T07:48:00.001-08:00

Last night Ashar Hockey finished its regular schedule season with its 9th victory in a row over YCQ.

Big goals by Matthew Chaimowitz and Yoni Levy helped propel Ashar to the school record of 9 wins and only 2 loses for the season. With this record Ashar enters the playoffs in the second round as Division Champions.

We still await some of the other teams to complete their season, but March 19th is looking like the date Ashar will play its first Playoff game. We will have to wait to see who we face that day.

The entire team though would like to thank all the fans who came to all our games in support of the team.

In a team vote after last nights victory the results came in unanimous.

This years Ashar Hockey MVP;
THE ASHAR HOCKEY FANS.

Thank you.

2006-03-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Ashar Hockey delays invites... we have a some games to win.

2006-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

As a Ashar Hockey coaches Dave and I are just too busy to take all these phone calls.

NBC Television called us today to find out when the Ashar Hockey Team can come to Manhattan as guests of Corporation for a private tour of their NBC Studio Facility at 30 Rockefeler Center.

Victor Calise called today as well. Victor is the not only the Sports Marketing Director of the United Spinal Association, but a member of the New York Ranger sponsored Ranger Sled Hockey Team. His orginazation heard of our charity effort and has invited the Ashar Hockey Team to visit and skate on the ice at the New York Rangers Private MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown NY.

All this and the other invitations will have to wait till the end of March. Ashar Hockey has some games to win.

Ashar Wins Division Title !!!

2006-02-26T00:43:00.000-08:00

In the teams pre-game meeting I made it very clear that in order to win against a larger, stronger and talented team like Har Torah I would need big games from (and I began to point at) Selter, Fuchs, Berger, Levy. Then pointing to Silvermintz, Elkobi, Cohen and Katz. Then at Klein, Cooper, Teichman, Chesir, Muschel, Winfield and Katznelson. In order to win I needed them all.

Sure Eilan Selter put 3 in the net. Of course Donny Fuchs and Ari Cohen were able to find the back of the net. It was no surprise Berger, Levy, Teichman and Katz were stellar.

What the people in the stands did not noticed was the big game I got from the guys on the bench. Not tonight, but all season long.

See a game is only 36 minutes of playing time. Most players seeing only 8 or 10 minutes of court time. You think our best player became the best player over night? Think again.

It was the total dedication and desire of players like Joey Chesir and Eli Rozenberg who help get this team where it is today. They may not get a lot of game time because of speed and size concerns, but they practice hard and give our playing lines a workout in the dozens and dozens of hours of drills and scrimmages. They are sharp in position and reading a play.

Our backup goalie Yoni Winfeild comes to every practice and game knowing ZAk Rimberg is the best goalie in the league and chances are he will rarely get game time. Yet every week Yoni dawns his goalie equipment and takes thousands of shots to help sharpen the team skills.

Lastly our youngest players Mike Katznelson And Shaolie Naumberg. Not as much game time as they desired, but no two on the Ashar team have improved their games more then these guys. In our practice scrimmage games these two are the play makers, and the bright future of the Ashar Hockey Program.

Coaches sometimes have to make hard decisions. A floor hockey game can change in less than a minute from winning to losing. Up 5 to 3 with three minutes left to play to win the division title, it became my call to play it safe and keep our best lines on the court.

As a testimate to the five players I just mentioned, the rest of the team pressured me on the bench for those full 3 minutes to put those players in. Thats the confidence and respect you have earned this season from your teammates.

Forget the record season, division championship or where we go from here. David and I just want to tell you what a pleasure it was to coach such a fine group of young men this season. And, how proud we and the entire school are of all you have accomplished this season.

We did not get this far alone....... it took 22 of us.....
The 2006 Division Champion Ashar Hockey Team.

Who Are We?

2006-02-23T21:40:00.000-08:00

There have been previous Ashar hockey teams that had some great individual hockey talents on them. Some of those players going on to become some of the best Yeshiva high school hockey athletes of the tri state area. Many of them had greater hockey skills than any member of our current Ashar Hockey team. Yet with all that talent, previous Ashar teams never seem to come away with the winning season we enjoy today.

This season is different though from past Ashar Hockey seasons. This season Ashar Hockey has no single superstar. There is not that one player opposing teams know they must cover. This year the biggest threat to the opposition is not from any single individual or standout. The strength of todays Ashar Hockey program is that everything we do, we do as a team. Unity and balance our biggest strength. We practices as a team, scrimmage as a team, travel as a team, eat as a team, play as a team.

On February 12, 2006 Ashar was a team with a different goal. As a team though once again we set out to accomplish the goal we set out to achieve. On this day people whom we never played hockey against got a chance to see who we are.

We set a team goal of raising $10,000.00 this season for a charity. Not even the worst snow storm of the decade was going to stop us. Once again as a team we overcame a challenge and come away proud of our achievement.

As a team we wish to thank all those who support our efforts both on and off the court.

At the start of the season there were many who did not even know our school existed. They know us now.

Who are we? ............ The Ashar Hockey Team.

<< PICTURES >>

There is no place like home.

2006-02-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

With each win that Ashar Hockey gets on the road the team has gotten into the habit of celebrating the victories together with a team meal on the road paid for out of the sponsors entertainment budget. Let me tell you, 20 kids get mighty hungry after a hard played game.

This past week not only was the Ashar Hockey team fortunate enough to compile another two "W"s in the wins column, but we also lucked out that last nights game vs. North Shore was our last scheduled away game of the regular season. One more away win on the road and the team would need to be washing dishes in the back of the restaurant in order to pay the bill. Next year we might consider having Ashar Hockey sponsored by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Speaking of reserves, in any normal game there is one player on our team who never seems to have reserves left by the third period. See Donny Fuchs, while known for his stick handling skills is definitely not known for his endurance. Last night however, in the North Shore gym, (the smallest in the league) Donny shined. Well, it was more than a shine actually; it was more like a radioactive glow.

Five. You heard me right! Five goals scored by Donny [lets play in a classroom rather than a gym]Fuchs. It was a stellar showing in this 8 to 3 - sixth win in a row for Ashar.

The confined space in the gym combined with pillars ever 12 feet along the wall made for some serious defensive adjustments. The defense assessed the situation after the first period and adapted. A fine showing for Matthew Chaimowitz, Elli Muschel, Joey Chesir and Michael Katznelson on defense.

Special mentions for Shoalie Naumberg one of our star fifth grade prospects, Eli Rozenberg and goalie Yoni Winfield who stepped into the net to relieve Zak Rimberg in the 3rd period. Yoni stopping everything shot his way.

With our First Place lead expanding, it is now back to the spacious Ashar gym for our next practice on Friday and our last 3 regular season games.

There is no place like home.

They Threw everything they had at us.

2006-01-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Another crucial 4-1 win this week for Ashar Hockey. Magen Dovid threw everything they had at us. A number of our players almost threw something they had back. A stomach virus or something had a number of our key players leaving the game early with nausea.

Once again Zak Rimberg, ill himself, kept us in it long enough for us to leave the court victorious.

Etan Selter, who arrived late due to a previous engagement put in a few. Joe Katz and Efriam Cooper put in the other 2 scores for us.

Starting now boys practices will be getting very serious. Skills training, skills training and more skills training. Peppered along the way with as much running we can squeeze in.

We have just a few games to win before playoffs and the steeper competition arrives.

Teams improve over time. Just because we beat them earlier in the season in no way means we can beat them again. Besides the fact we may now be playing better, they will have been schooled in our style of play. They too will know which of our players they need to watch more closely.

We must be a new and stronger skilled team to make it through the playoffs. That takes focused effort and hard work in all practices.

Getting to the gym on time. Getting dressed quickly and ready to begin the first drills. If we set you guys up in a line to run through a drill, stay in the line. It is distracting when one or two stray off.

Our team will have a new focus from now to playoffs. Our team goal is to win. If you do not show that dedication in practice, do not be surprised to find your line with less court time than in previous games. Hustle and stamina will be key.

If you let an opponent beat you to a ball in the corner, you will be showing us you are not able to handle your assignment for that shift. First stoppage of play, you will be changed.

You have 3 full hours of practice time each week. Most of that on the court. In a game you are lucky to get 12 minutes of court time. 12 minutes a game of the best you can be is all we need to be successful this season.

Our best must be better then our opponents best in order to prevail. It is the coaching staffs job to make sure the best possible line for each shift is on the court, and we will.

Practice focused, play hard and earn your right to be on the court game day.

Guess who is in first place?

2005-12-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've never been much on league standings. After all what did it really mean if you lead the standings all season, and got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. But, with half the season now behind us Ashar has topped the league standings in our division with our latest 5-2 victory over Har Torah.

Har Torah had speed, talent and size, but Ashar let them know early that Ashar, GOT GAME.

In a sport where position is everything, our boys showed all that they each knows how to play their position well. While it truly was an entire team effort, special mention goes to birthday boy Eitan Selter and his two goals. Daniel Silvermintz continued multi goal scoring streak, and defensive superstar Joey Katz and his walk-in blistering wrist shot goal.

Mathew Chaimowitz voted Player of the Game for his outstanding work against Har Torahs big man Yossi Aharon. Not an easy task, just ask Mathew.

Hard work still remains ahead though as all the teams will be gunning for a victory against the top team. We will not underestimate any team and we will keep working hard to further improve our game.

New Additions to the Ashar Hockey Program

2005-12-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

This week the Ashar Hockey picked up 2 New additions to the Program. Well, 1 and a half additions for now ...

Sell your shares of Duct Tape stock, our new floor hockey boards have arrived. Referred to as Boarder Patrol for the company that makes them, our order arrived last Thursday. Well, partially arrived. The second half of the order is scheduled for delivery sometime next week. No more tables and benches turned on their sides attached together with hundreds of yards of duct tape. Say goodbye to the days of visiting teams coming to our school seeing the gym looking like a Bar Mitzvah gone bad. Special panels on the fronts of the barriers are reserved for Ashar Hockey Program sponsor advertising. [A good lead in for our other new item this week ]

Thanks to the extremely persistent efforts of Coach David Nelson, the Ashar Hockey Program has secured Polariod Corporation of Minneapolis Minn. as our latest corporate sponsor. Digital cameras, portable DVD players and some flat screen televisions sure to assist the program in many ways.

Our first collaboration with Polariod will be the Ashar Hockey Program participation in a Charity Fund Raiser for the Alan T Brown Foundation to Cure Paralysis (www.atbf.org). The Ashar Hockey Program, Terminal Hockey Club and Polariod will donate a 42 inch Plasma Television for the Alan T Brown Foundations Family Fun Day in Manhattan Sunday Feb 12th 2006. Our entire Ashar Floor Hockey team in our schools jersey will roam the event in an effort to sell out the total of 200 boxes ($10,000) on the Take a Chance Raffle to win the 42 inch Plasma TV.

All proceeds from the charity raffle going to the Alan T Brown Foundation To Cure Paralysis.

ESPN Player of the WEEK

2005-12-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

There is a reason we chose Players of the Week awards over giving awards to player’s of the game.

While any given player can be lucky enough to score a big goal now and then in a game, it was our desire to point out the player who has put in a consistent effort all week to improve his game and thus strengthen our team.

Our Player of the Week award this week goes to a player who is the first player on our team this season to really equate the concept of 'practice like a game and your ready for the game.'

His focus on his position, understanding the value of playing the man not the ball and his game level hustle at practices earn Elan Teichman this well deserved Player of the Week recognition.

We were lost for a while, but we got there.

2005-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

The night started off strange when our teams transportion showed up as only a 20 seater bus. After 20 minutes of arranging huge bags of equipment everyone had a seat, except for the coach.

Next, we always seem to get the rookie bus drivers. The ones who don't really know east from west. I like to talk with the boys on the way so I wasn't paying attention. Glancing out the window accidentally, I realized we "weren't in Kansas any more."

After 4 U turns and a players needing air sickness bags, we finally found our next opponent. Westchester Day School.

The strange night continued when the officials failed to show up. Thanks to Gary Fuchs, one of our Ashar parents in the stands for stepping up and offering his referee services.

The refs finally showed an hour late, and honestly our team only started to show an hour after that.

After our last physical victory at home, I asked the boys to turn it down a notch against a small inexperienced Westchester team. I guess notches have changed size with inflation since I was a kid. The Ashar kids stopped short of every play and gave Westchester all the room they needed.

After the 2nd period Dave and I gave the boys a little inspirational speech. Well, actually we just yelled at everyone. Whatever it was, finally in the third period Ashar came out to play.

One of the few players hustling all game was Daniel Silvermintz. I've always regarded Daniel as one of the best all round players on our team. Tonight Daniel made it look like I know what I'm talking about. By the time the night was thru the score was 7-2 in our favor. Daniel scoring his first career Ashar Hockey goal. I guess Daniel liked the feeling of scoring so much he decided he'd do it two more times. Finishing with an amazing 3 goal Hat Trick night.

Word got out fast of Daniels big game and Daniel's cell phone's call-waiting and text messaging was working overtime for entire bus ride home.

Also worth a mention the defensive play of Mathew Chaimowitz. Mathew played an excellent defensive game, helping to set up our third period scoring spree.

Either way it gets put in the books as another win for Ashar. We are on our way...... and tell that kid I am coming to get my 10 Bucks.

Our next practice is schedule for Friday, but the snows expected might cause a cancellation.
Please check your emails for confirmation, before heading out to Ashar this practice.

ASHAR Hockey's first "W"

2005-12-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

If you do not show up to win , the chances are you wont. Today, against a solid HAFTR team the ASHAR Hockey team showed up to win. And, win we did in one of the best hockey elementary school floor hockey games every played. It was fast. It was physical. It was exciting. Both teams gave it everything they had. It was a true hockey battle.

If you missed it, you missed something special.

Dave and I are proud of every single member of the team. From those who played so hard, to those who rooted the team on even though they did not get a chance to play.

We wear jerseys as a team. We practice as a team. We travel as a team, and we played as a team.

Special thanks to the parents in the stands who kept the team pumped up with though out the game. It was a big part of our victory.

On the bench, this player was asked to sit out this game. While not the court bench this player cheered on all his teammates whole heartedly pumping our team up. He did get on a shift or two in the end and showed all he could give us his best. Any player who sheds tears wanting to play the game so badly is player of the game in my book.

It is for that dedication that this weeks Player of the Game goes to Eli Muschel.

This one is in the records book boys. Now its time to focus on getting even stronger and setting our sites on our next win. It is a crucial game for us. Without carrying momentum this Haftr win will seem to all others as just a fluke win.

Our next game is against WDS Wed. 12/7 in Westchester. Busses leave right after dismissal. Please pack your light dinners and after game snacks.

We have the ability. Lets keep focused on the task of winning, and keep having fun doing it.

ESPN Player of the Week

2005-12-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

When a team hits the court and begins to play as one single unit, you have the foundations of a winning team. This week our team began to see that foundation being formed by the extra efforts of our now #1 defensive line.

Practicing and playing as one, these guys are not just recognized for exceptional play, but for inspiring the entire team to excel. Playing so in sync they both equally reached our ESPN Player of the Week standards.

This weeks ESPN player of the week;
Defensive Unit 1 - Michael Berger and Yoni Levy.
[ ESPN Player of the Week Archives ]

The Zak Rimberg Show

2005-12-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well we had our first away game of the year to HALB way out in Long Beach Long Island.

In order to try and beat a little bit of rush hour traffic Mr. Frank Allowed the Boy on the Ashar Hockey Team to leave school 15 minutes before dismissal. By 4:50 pm we were on our way.

The kids were great on the long bus rides to and from the game. On the way to Long Beach parents packed meals for their kids and we all shared a nice meal together as a team on the road. Ipods, Playstation Portables and DVD player provided some post meal entertainment. On our way home the team was supplied with boxes of Doughnuts from the 5 Towns kosher Dunkin Doughnuts. Thanks again to Coca Cola bottling Company for the sponsored Powerade drinks.

Before the game the kids from both teams were kind enough to help Dave and I send a message to a dear ice hockey friend of ours. Two days before Eddie Canon, one of our Terminal Hockey Club goalies suffered a massive heart attack on the ice just seconds before the start of one of our game. While none of the boys knows Eddie, he knew the ASHAR team and was one of the sponsors who donated money to the program. Eddie has no kids or grandchildren in our school. He doesn’t live in Monsey. In fact Eddie isn’t even Jewish. But he heard of these boys who wanted to play hockey, and he gave. I want to thank all the boys ASHAR and HALB for the kind gesture made towards David and I on behalf of our teammate and friend Eddie . Thank you. (Picture)

To sum up the game in a few words, it was the ' ZAK RIMBERG SHOW' . From day one of this years Ashar Hockey Program I made it very clear that Zak Rimberg is the best goalie in the league. Wednesday night the coaches of Halb as well as Halb parents came over to me after the game and comfirmed my feeling of Zak. " THAT KID IN GOAL WAS AMASING " everyone said.

Unfortunately for ZAK that could not be said for any members of our team standing before him for the first period.

Many kids get on the court nervous before a game and play timidly in the first period. Our boys had the look on their faces deers have on the NYS Thruway when they see car headlights coming at them. They were out of position, they forgot how to run and in general look bewildered.

At the end of the first period I made everyone take off their helmets to show me a bead of sweat on their heads while Zak laid on the floor suffering from dehydration. A few words of admonishment (that cannot be repeated on a Yeshiva site) and I made it clear to the boys ... I do not see you hustling ... you do not get to play.

A new team came out for the second period. A lot more hustle. Forwards Cooper and Klien did a great job of securing their point positions and keeping fore-checking pressure on.

A lot more sweat and three of our shots made it to the back of their goal. Now showing the Halb gym that the boys from Ashar came to play.

Unfortunately as can be the case through out the season our team suffers from some size and experience issues and a 7-3 loss was the outcome. The Halb coach did tell me after the game, that we were the best team he has played yet. I responded "you have not seen how good we are yet."

So many times I have gotten off the ice from a blow out win without really learning anything to better my hockey game. I can tell you after a loss there is always good lessons learned and those leasons have improved my game tremendously.

I think the boys came away from this game with a few lessons learned and a little more confident in themselves. They see as a team we have what it takes to win if we play as a team. That we all have the responsibility to hustle, and if one doesn’t, he cripples the team.

On the bus ride home we had a quite talk about this team responsibility. I explained to the boys that this ride home was the start of our season. All future games will have only 3 lines made for court time. If I do not see hustle and determination in practice, no matter if you are an 8th grader, captain or alternate captain, whomever, I wont see you on the court in a game.

Kids are starting to gel and show real productive talents. If after 12 weeks of practice, you have not learned that hustle wins, your not gelling ... and your not making my the first, second or third line ... period.

Steve

No Stand-Outs

2005-11-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

Few bits of hockey news this week;

Number 1. Our next game is November 30th out on the Long Island. The bus to the game will be leaving right after school dismissal. Please make sure to pack some food, both pre-game (something light) and maybe something post game for the ride home. Coca Cola Bottling Co. of New York will be supplying the team with 'Powerade'.

Number 2. A reminder to parents that your league fees of $200.00 must be handed in to Beth Katznelson in the Ashar Main Office. We really would like to get all the accounting business out of the way, so please make your payment if you have not yet done so. Only those who have paid for the league will be allowed to board the bus for our next game November 30th.

Number 3. There will be no ...repeat NO ... ice hockey practice on Friday at Sportorama. I tried to secure some ice time, but they have hockey tournaments all day. Sorry we will try again in the near future.

Number 4. Many may have noticed last week we designated no ESPN player of the week. Both Dave and I honestly could not come up with any single stand-out. Our next practice is Monday night at 7:30pm, and we will once again be looking for the player who puts in the extra effort for the week.

Number 5. Our November 30th game against Halb will be a challenging one. We will definitely require our best lines on the court if we want a chance of winning. This is a game where the older and stronger players will be needed. In our team talks about our last game many players felt the younger players and short shifts effected their chances of scoring. In this game, the 7th and 8th graders will be tested to see if they have the discipline and stamina to take on a good team. My guess is in the second period they will be looking for some relief, and realize the value some of the younger boys add to the team.

ESPN Player of the week

2005-11-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

Listening, learning, hustling, improving, all key ingredients for a player of the week.

Click here to see this week's ESPN PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Season Begins

2005-11-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

Before the game I told all the players that it would be highly unlikely that our young team would go undefeated this season. The feedback I am getting is that no other team has as many 5th and sixth graders playing.

Today we lost a game. Couple of little mental errors in the first period. But if you looked closer and really paid attention, you see how well we really did today.

Every young team comes out nervous in the first few minutes of the first game of the season. We did too. But our team was not overwhelmed. Down 2 goals we adjusted quickly. 3 goals was all they would see. Then it was Ashar's turn to show the experienced Hanc players that Ashar has what it takes to be competitive. Then almost 2 full periods of scoreless hockey, with not a single error. Positions were covered. Pumps were chased hard, and we had a few good scoring chances.

Best of all we did all of this without leaving a single player on the bench. Everyone got a chance to play, and everyone showed what David and I saw at the first hockey try-out. "The desire to play".

David and I are proud of all the boys. You did your best today, and you showed all that our team will only get better as we play on.

Note - as a display of Ashar sportsmanship the team recognized the Hanc Goalie as ESPN PLAYER OF THE GAME and is awarding him one of our ESPN sponsor gifts.
( click here for a post game photo )

ESPN Player Of The Week

2005-11-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Our sponsor ESPN has asked that each week the Ashar coaching staff single out a player to be honored as the ESPN PLAYER OF THE WEEK.

Any player who show extraordinary dedication, effort, and sportsmanship in the previous weeks practices or games will be eligible. Sunday evenings a player will be chosen and announced for this honor and will they receive official licensed merchandise directly from ESPN.

Click here to see this weeks ESPN PLAYER OF THE WEEK.

And We Have A Winner!

2005-11-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

Yes we do have a winner ............ And the winner is the Ashar Hockey Program.

Special thanks to Apple Computer Inc. The Sports Authority and Terminal Hockey Inc. for sponsoring our 'iPod nano raffle' and to all those who made donations to the Ashar Floor Hockey Program. We appreciate it.

While the program benefits from all donations made, only one person got to win the raffle's Apple ' iPod nano'. At our last practice Ashar Principal Mr. Milton Frank drew the raffles winning ticket.

Click here to find out who had lucky Raffle Ticket #8.

The Season is Set

2005-11-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

Coach Dave and I spent the night out on Long Island to get to meet the commissioners of the floor hockey league and all the other coaches. Everyone seems to have the right mind set to try and ensure the kids have fun this floor hockey season.

In our division are the following schools; Hanc, YCQ, North Shore,Haftr, Manhattan Day, Har Torah and Westchester Day. At this meeting league requirements and rules were given, and this seasons schedule was hashed out.

A link has been set up ( LINK section of this page ) on this Ashar News Page for this years schedule. The schedule will be updated regularly to reflect any last minute changes. If there are any updates, emails will be sent out to all team members and those on our email list.

If there are any major bar-mitzvah conflicts please bring it to our attention by the end of this week. After that there will be no looking back as all the schools have limited gym and schedule times.

As noted on the schedule page, any weekday night games the team we will need to leave from the school right after dismissal. On those evenings please be sure to have a bag dinner packed. The Coca Cola Bottling Company of New York has kindly agreed to supply us with cases of Powerade for all our 'away games'.

For home games, team players must be dressed and ready 30 minutes before game time. THAT'S DRESSED!. Lines will be made and instructions given at this team meeting. If players are not dressed and at the team pre-game meeting, then they will not be eligible to play in the first period. Any player who knows they will not be able to attend a game must inform the coaching staff ASAP via call or email. There is a lot to go over, we wont have time for distractions.

Finally (and I cannot stress this enough) every parent on the roster as every player has been informed that there are a number of children who have made the team strictly for development purposes. There are currently 21 players on our roster. Typically a game will play 13 to 15 players. Our first game will be a against a team with experience. We will need to put our most talented players on the court.

Our decision to develop the program has already paid off. We have seen a lot of growth both in ability and confidence by all players on our roster. We hope our decision of "not cutting a kid with the desire to play" is one we are made to regret. While we anticipate all player getting court time during the season, that does not mean it will be for every game. There will be long bus rides out to the Island made by some who might not see a 'second' of game time. By sending in your league fees, you have agreed to this very concept. Dave and I call this "clause number one" in your contract. Any time this issue comes up, you will be referred to this notice and be reminded of 'CLAUSE NUMBER ONE'.

Our goal is for our players to enjoy the sport. We practice as a team and need to play as a team with a common goal of giving our best efforts to win. Team members make sacrifices at times for the benefit of the team. If players only come away learning the responsibilities of always giving your team your best effort, we will have had a winning season even if we don't win a single game.

Steve

We Like Our Drinks With Ice.

2005-10-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Good ice scrimmage today team. You can really see a lot of improvement with each time on the ice.

Stand-outs today.... Eitan Elkobi and Donny Fuchs.

For all of you, just remember floor hockey is just elementary school and maybe high school. Ice hockey can be played most of your adult life. If you guys enjoy it as much as you seem to, then it is something you should pursue.

Special thanks to the Coca Cola Bottling Company of New York for the Powerade donated for the team to drink after today's Ice Hockey Scrimmage. [ pictures ]

Powerade - official drink of the Ashar Hockey Team

The Floor Hockey League tells us we should be getting the game schedules shortly. Coach Dave is working with one of the other teams in the league for a possible pre season scrimmage at Ashar in early November. We will keep you posted.

Also, November 1st is the date scheduled for our Ipod Raffle Drawing. Many Non-Ashar people and businesses made donations [see the list of donations ] . Why not show the strangers that made donations that our own "Ashar Families" support the school hockey program as well? Please make your best efforts to ask family, friends and business associates to help support the program with a $20.00 donation to the program. A raffle ticket will be reserved in their name for the ipod drawing in appreciation.

A week from Monday it is back on the courts for our next Floor Hockey practice - 7:30pm Ashar Gym.

No Vacation From Practice

2005-10-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Just because we are off from school doesn't mean we shouldn't have a practice does it? Ofcourse not. But, it does mean we can book some private ice time in the middle of the day for us to play ice hockey. Enough court, we need ice.

On Friday we did just that. The kids were great. Got to the ice rink on time. Enjoyed a pizza lunch. Strapped on our equipment, and scratched up some ice.

We had a full one hour scrimmage game. End to end hockey, with the only interruptions; line changes. Many kids showing some potential ice hockey talent.

Most improved from our last time on the ice....... Mike Berger and Joey Chessir. Though trying to stay balanced, they had looks of concentration on their faces like I am sure they never had in a math or science class.

When we asked the boys if they enjoyed it? Eli Muschel quickly blurted out....' We definitely have to do this again!!!" and all the boys roared agreement.

A fun time was definitely had by all in fact. Ask them, they will tell you themselves.

Hey wait a minute....next Friday we are off from school again aren't we?. What do you say we do it again?

Meet at the rink at 1:30pm followed by scrimmage begining at 2:00pm to 3:00 ?

Please email me at steve@TerminalHockey.com and let me know if your sons can make it.

If we have enough players available, I will book the ice.

[ click here for pictures ]

Steve

Physical Work Out

2005-10-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all parents for responding quickly to the call for Ashar Hockey Program fees. We would like to get all business behind us so we can just concentrate on play.

This week was another good hockey week with the boys. The Sunday 2 hour on ice training, Monday's 90 minute practice and finishing off with Friday's physical practice.

Yes Friday's practice got a little physical. Dave and I began by introducing , and reintroducing the kids to the foam pads along the gym walls. While there is no hitting or checking aloud in the league, floor hockey becomes very physical along the walls when it comes time to pin your opponent up against the "boards". The theme of the practice; "don't let them do what they want". Meaning if you get your opponent up against the wall fighting with the ball, pin them there and don't let them get a pass off to their teammates. Once again we need a lot of work in this area. Dave and I were surprised that even some of the larger returning players had trouble with this aspect of the game.

Standouts from this practice Ilan Teichman. When he "pinned em" nobody got free. Good work Ilan.

The Captain and Alternates made all our line decisions this week for our scrimmages. Not only do the boys show good judgment and management skills, but people skills as well. They have earned the respect of the team by giving respect. Assignments given, assignments taken with no (school boy) bickering at all.

Special mention goes to both Efriam Cooper and Jason Klein. Two players who are really surprising the team and coaching staff these past few weeks with excellent hustle and great play. Way to go boys!

This week EA Sports paid up with NHL 2006 video games given to the boys who won our "most accurate pass contest last week. Daniel Silvermintz's video game review;....... "this game is really good!". Thanks EA.

This Friday with the holidays and no school, it is the perfect opportunity to once again lace up the skates and cut up some Sportorama ice. Only this time Ashar Hockey has rented the ice exclusively for the team. We are planning a team pizza lunch at the rink at 12:30pm followed by a full one hour team ice hockey scrimmage beginning at 2:00pm promptly. Once again full equipment a must and bring your jerseys. Sorry...... Team members only!

Ashar Hockey Hits The Ice

2005-10-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hey it was great fun to get the kids on the ice, and give them a taste of real hockey. I think they really enjoyed themselves. I know they all really wanted to scrimmage, but unfortunately ( or fortunately) the Yeshiva Hockey League turn out was substantial. I must say our boys did look good out there on the ice though. (pictures)

Now that I see the boys can handle themselves on the ice, maybe a team trip back to the rink for that scrimmage would not be a bad idea. I can try and get us some private ice time if the team decides it is something they would like me to pursue.

Thanks to all the parents for getting the kids to the rink today.

Tomorrow 10/3 we have practice scheduled from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. I have spoken to the team Captain Ari Cohen, and we agreed he would be the point man for all practice information. Any question as to practice time? Ari will have the answer, and all the kids know my email address.

In any event Happy New Year to all.

Steve

Yeshiva Ice Hockey

2005-10-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

The other day I was at the Home Depot in Nanuet. Just to the right of the checkout lanes I could not believe my eyes. A full scale cut-a-way of a succah was erected (including automated tarp system to protect the succah from possible foul weather). A sign inside the succah inviting customers to Sundays free Succah Building Clinic sponsored by The Home Depot. I thought to myself, wow, has Rockland County come a long way since I was a kid here.

Well even more amazing was the flyer I saw around town later that day inviting Yeshiva kids to a free ice hockey clinic at Sportorama, and the possibility of a Yeshiva Ice Hockey League. Now I've seen it all.

It was never possible to get free ice time during a normal Sunday afternoon. When I grew up Yeshiva kids rented ice the only free time we could get, Thurday nights 11:30 pm. Now prime time ice Sundays at 4:30 pm? Unheard of.

Have to give credit to a Rabbi Yehuda Koblic of YeshivaHockey.com for taking the initiative to take on such a bold endeavor. It will be a difficult start up, and the first year will take alot of effort I'm sure to promote.

At our Ashar practice on Friday I mentioned to the boys that there will be a free 2 hour clinic for the Yeshiva Hockey League this Sunday at 5:30 pm and that we as a team should go. Most of the boys never really had the chance to play hockey on ice. It will be a fun hockey field trip for the team.

If you can get your son there by 5:00pm, David Nelson and I will be there on the ice watching them. Let them wear their jerseys.

This clinic is free, but for more information on the Yeshiva Ice Hockey League visit www.yeshivahockey.com .

Look forward to seeing them there.

Steve

Handing out Team Jerseys

2005-09-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Things cooled down weather-wise outside so today, we ran 'um'. “Suicide drills” they call them in the sporting world.

Base line to foul line. Back to base line. Out to half court line. Back to base line. All the way out to the far foul line. Back to base line once again, only to have to run one last time to the far base line and back. If you think the description is winded, you should try running it. They don’t call them suicides for nothing.

In a normal hockey game the kids would have 6 or seven shifts. We had them run eight sets of suicides. Alternating, they would get maybe a 3 minute beak before starting the next one. They did pretty well I must admit. But land speed records were not set by all. Size and speed are definitely not what this Ashar team will be remembered for.

Team jerseys arrived today and were given out. The kids excited both to have their names on the back, and some of those "cool" sponsor logos.

Missing from the jerseys were the team Captain “ C” and Alternate Captain “A” initials. David and I had already decided who the team captain and alternates would be. It was decided they would be chosen from only 8th grade players.

Today though Dave and I asked the team to take a anonymous vote just to see who the team felt they would like for those positions. Ballots were made and every player on the team made a private choice for “Captain” and the two “Alternates”.

The following voting results coincided with the determination the coaching staff made days before.

Congratulations to Ari Cohen, who was elected team Captain by the coaching staff and by his teammates. With the title comes the responsibility of always leading and inspiring the team. All will look to you to set the standard for practice and play ethics.

Any real hockey player who has played the game knows the most dangerous opponents are the ones with the “A”s for Alternate Captain on their jerseys. While a Captain is chosen for leadership qualities, the “alternates” are always chosen because they are the players on the team with the most raw talent and skill.

On our team these two Alternates not only share the letter “A” on their jersey, but they also share the same first name.

Congratulations to this years Alternate Captains as chosen by the coaches and team;

Eitan Elkobi and Eitan Selter. Nice work boys!

I will need the above mentioned three player’s jerseys back please to get the “C” and “A”s placed on them.

What we have been up to....

2005-09-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Ashar Hockey Parent

I have lost track of how many practices we have had already, but I can tell you Coach David and I do look forward to the two times a week we get together with your kids.

The boys have been great at practices. Maybe some of the Ashar teachers need a loud whistle, because when we have them, these boys are all well behaved and attentive. I must say, a real pleasure to coach.

A number of times I have stressed to the team that they must keep up their school work and grades in order to be allowed to practice with the team. Mr. Frank and I have been in regular contact to make sure the boys meet these standards. As a parent, it is important you remind your child of this requirement as well.

It has been extremely hot in the gym lately so David and I have not run the boys to hard. Stamina is very important in hockey. As the gym cools down a bit we will be running much more.

To date at practices we have tried to see what kinds of talent we have on the team. Who can play defense. Who can play forward. Who the first, second and third line players might be. Who needs individual attention to really improve.

As mentioned earlier we did allow some of the beginning players a “head start” and included them on the team for practices. I still stand by that decision and both David and I think it was the right choice for the hockey programs future, and already see it paying off.

Like an infielder in baseball, you cant make much progress if you cannot accurately make a throw to first base. In hockey, you cannot really compete as a team if you cannot make (and receive) a solid pass. We have spent much time getting the boys to look up and accurately make a pass. EA Sports Inc. was kind enough sponsor us with NHL 2006 video games. For the last few practices we had drills where a player stick handles the ball around the perimeter of the court. Once they reach a far corner they must try and accurately hit that NHL 2006 video game box placed at center court. If they hit it, they win it.

Thankfully for EA Sports, we still need a bit of work on our passing skills. In the past 4 practices, only Eitan Selter, Daniel Silvermintz and Donny Fuchs earned the prize.

I laughed when one of the boys told me " a video game box is too small to hit ....... We need a 50 inch Plasma TV sponsor. "

Like I said, our passing skills still need a little bit of work.

Coach Steve