World Jewish Cup in Metulla July 2007

[Karsten]

Historic note

The first international maccabiah hockey tournament took place neary 75 years ago -- 2-5 February 1933 In Zakopane, Poland, as part of the first Maccabiah Winter Games. Originally six national Jewish teams were scheduled to compete: Group A: Czechoslovakia, Germany and Hungary, Group B: Austria, Poland and Romania. The winners of group A and B would play a final. In the end, only Austria, Poland and Romania participated. Austria beat Poland 2:0 and Romania 3:0, and Poland beat Romania 2:0. The final between Austria and Poland was cancelled due to misty ice conditions.
Austrian winning team: Kettner - Fluss, Wittmann-Donath, Pelzmann, Spira, Rosenfeld, Grünbaum, Perger.

Note: for some reason the first winter games are not listed here: http://www.maccabiusa.com/history.htm

Second, and last, Maccabiah Winter Games took place in Banska Bystrica 18-22 February 1936. 3 teams were scheduled to compete: Germany, Czechoslovakia and Hakoah Vienna. In the end Hakoah Vienna pulled out and only one hockey game was played:
Czechoslovakia - Germany 2:0 (1:0, 0:0, 1:0)
Goalscorers: Pollak and Borger

Czechoslovakian winning team: Lagus - Freund, Laufer - Robitschek, Borger, Stiastny, Pershau II.
Germany: Kobor, Brück, Granat, Bloch, Hirschberger, Wohlauer, Meyer, Schmoller, Kahn.

[Ottawa national]

I have been researching these first international games as well.

Sadly, Franz Kettner and Fritz Whittman perished in the Holocaust along with several other Jewish players who competed in the Maccabiah and for their country's respective national teams.

Many thanks for posting the information. Would you mind sharing the source?
I found most of my info in a German sporting magazine with the help of a researcher friend in Europe.

[Ottawa national]

Does anyone know how the teams were selected? Were there tryout camps or were all the players "invited" formally to play? A few fellows I have been talking to about the tournament were wondering why the Canadian entry did not have a few more pros - or even guys that had recently retired in the lineup. One player that comes to mind is Harold Hersh, who was the captain of the Maccabi team 10 years ago. Hersh's experience may have helped Team Canada a bit.

[Steigs]

From what I've heard (on this board and elsewhere), the problem with pros is that the team would have to pay compensation or insurance on the players in case of injury or some such, and since the Canadian team wasn't a HockeyCanada team, the money to pay for guys such as Cammalleri, Schneider or others just wasn't there. I imagine this would also account for minor-league pros.
As for Hersh, from looking at his stats in the LNAH this past year, I'm not sure he would have made the team through a tryout. 10 years ago he was younger, stronger and his stats were significantly stronger (slightly less Points-Per-Game, but in a much stronger league). Competing against a bunch of university and junior players, I dont' think he would have matched up, quite simply.

[Ottawa national]

But don't you think as captain of the previous Maccabi team - Hersh at least deserved a look? LNAH stats (indeed any stats) can be misleading. If he wasn't good enough, the team would simply cut him - as they did to a whole pile of players trying out for the Maccabi team 10 years ago (I have the tryout roster)

[Steigs]

I haven't heard either way about tryout camps, so for all we know he did try out and was cut, or possibly even declined a tryout invitation... I'm not sure who to ask about this though.

[Karsten]

Ottawa national, you have asked me some interesting questions in a PM which I had difficulties in answering. Mayby others can help. Do you mind if we take the discussion in public?

[Ottawa national]

Steigs — I e-mailed Hersh and asked him. He was not approached - he does not believe any of the Jewish Quebec Senior League players were asked either ( Sean Mamane, Leor Shtrom, Manny LaBranche ....)

[Steigs]

well then, I stand corrected... that's too bad. But I suppose that with junior and university level players, they didn't think that these guys were at a high enough level. Should have given them a chance to prove otherwise though.

[Talavneri]

team pics ill post more later

[Talavneri]

more pics

[Marc]

I got the full French stats for hockeyarchives.info

Other info that might interest you :
Best scorers :
1 Oren Eizenman (ISR) 6+4
2 Scott Bartlett (USA) 2+7
3 Jared Silver (CAN) 4+3

Nathan Davis had 3+4 but played defense.

Best save percentage : Andrew Brathwaite (CAN) 94,8%
Is he connected to Fred ?

[Sheldon Davis]

Do you have any photos of the US team?
Sheldon

[Bobby Weston]

Sheldon, I will send the link to Matt and Nate and have them forward it to you. We have a website with all the pictures from our trip to Israel, including game photos and most importantly the celebration after we won the Gold Medal.

Great Experience, and I was glad to have been apart of it.

[Davide]

Thanks alls for photos and comments!! With a almost total blackout from media, was a pleasure to hear and see your contributes.

Any plan to repeat Cup next year?

[Sheldon Davis]

Bobby,
Thank you! I just spoke to Matt, he sends his regards

[Ottawa national]

Many thanks to Tal for posting the photos and to Marc for the stats. Will there be game summaries and stats for the tournament?

Andrew is not related to Fred although both are goalies.

[Bobby Weston]

Website with some photos from the tournament

http://israelihockeyteam.com/wt/wjt.html

The last picture is my favorite.....

[ajv9918]

I was involved with the organizing committee for this tournament and I was at every game. If you guys want to see some more info on Canada, and later on about the junior tour, please go to www.hockeyisrael.ca.

Also, for you to know, the best two teams in this tourney were the US & Canada by far. That was the best game of the tourney, and I spoke to John Anderson after the game, and he knew the US was very lucky to win that game. Canada was shorthanded for 36 minutes of that game, and were down 5 on 3 on four occasions. The US scored 4 power play goals and were outplayed badly during full strength situations. With the Canadian net empty and 55 seconds to go, American referee Scott Zelkin made a horrendous hooking call against Jamie Klayman of Canada in the US end, which all but ended the game.

For your information, Canada's first game against Israel was delayed for almost 2 hours, as the opening ceremonies featured a surprise fireworks display, which filled the arena with smoke. The entire game was played in a light fog, which sometimes became heavy. This was ideal for the Israelis, as they played a tight trap and lulled the jet lagged Canadians to death. Canada still outshot and badly outplayed the Israelis, but Gussin stood on his head, including making 24 saves in the second period.

I am pro-Canadian, but I am being completely honest here. There were two teams in tournament that played solid hockey, and then you had Israel who played in a defensive shell in order to compete. I am not against playing that way, because Perron knows this is the only way they can compete. I have seen them play in the Worlds, and they do the exact same thing there.

All in all, a great tournament, with some very spotty refereeing. Actually the guys from the QMJHL did a great job, but the other crew was very weak. It will happen again in two years, and there will definitely be some more pros involved. Insurance was a major issue with certain guys, but forget about the NHL guys. That will never happen. To be honest, it's much better with players like this, because it's closer. If Canada brought the Nemirovskys, Henrichs, Pecker, Himelfarb, Trevor Smith, Jacob Mickflicker, Jason Bailey, Josh Tordjman, Jhase Sniderman and others, they would have won every game by 20 goals. That would not have been fun for anyone.

[Davide]

I was involved with the organizing committee for this tournament and I was at every game. If you guys want to see some more info on Canada, and later on about the junior tour, please go to www.hockeyisrael.ca.

Also, for you to know, the best two teams in this tourney were the US & Canada by far. That was the best game of the tourney, and I spoke to John Anderson after the game, and he knew the US was very lucky to win that game. Canada was shorthanded for 36 minutes of that game, and were down 5 on 3 on four occasions. The US scored 4 power play goals and were outplayed badly during full strength situations. With the Canadian net empty and 55 seconds to go, American referee Scott Zelkin made a horrendous hooking call against Jamie Klayman of Canada in the US end, which all but ended the game.

For your information, Canada's first game against Israel was delayed for almost 2 hours, as the opening ceremonies featured a surprise fireworks display, which filled the arena with smoke. The entire game was played in a light fog, which sometimes became heavy. This was ideal for the Israelis, as they played a tight trap and lulled the jet lagged Canadians to death. Canada still outshot and badly outplayed the Israelis, but Gussin stood on his head, including making 24 saves in the second period.

I am pro-Canadian, but I am being completely honest here. There were two teams in tournament that played solid hockey, and then you had Israel who played in a defensive shell in order to compete. I am not against playing that way, because Perron knows this is the only way they can compete. I have seen them play in the Worlds, and they do the exact same thing there.

All in all, a great tournament, with some very spotty refereeing. Actually the guys from the QMJHL did a great job, but the other crew was very weak. It will happen again in two years, and there will definitely be some more pros involved. Insurance was a major issue with certain guys, but forget about the NHL guys. That will never happen. To be honest, it's much better with players like this, because it's closer. If Canada brought the Nemirovskys, Henrichs, Pecker, Himelfarb, Trevor Smith, Jacob Mickflicker, Jason Bailey, Josh Tordjman, Jhase Sniderman and others, they would have won every game by 20 goals. That would not have been fun for anyone.

Hi and welcome here! Great report by you, thanks a lot!
How was your impression (as pro-player) about technical level of european teams, specially France?
And can you tell us something about atmosphere? Games were crowded? There was TV coverage or newspapers reports? Surfing through israeli sites didn't seems there was much attention...

[ajv9918]

No problem on the report. By the way, I am not a pro hockey player, although I do work in the hockey business. I meant I was pro-Canadian, meaning I cheered for Canada. The arena was quite busy, especially for the games involving Israel. The First game against Canada and the final, were completely sold out. There was a lot of TV coverage in Israel. The tournament was featured on Channel 2 which is like the BBC in Israel. It was covered in Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post. It was covered by two Russian television stations, two major Canadian newspapers, 5 North American Jewish Newspapers and several other people in the press. It actually had great coverage for a small Jewish tournament.

[Bobby Weston]

I would have to agree and state that for the most part that is a great synopsis of the tournament. Canada and the US Team were by far the bests teams in the Cup. It is a shame we were unable to play again in the final.

Obviously I do not agree with all of your points. I thought Scott did a great job and for the most part called every game in a very fair manner. Prior to the call with just over a minute left in the third period the US was given 2 penalties that were very suspect, putting us 2 men down with just around 3 minutes left. Canada failed to capitalize on that opportunity. The call at the end was more than justified, but I agree that it probably should not have been called in a tight game. If anything, I thought Stefan's crew was a little shaky, especially his linesman, 3 very poor calls in the final.

The statement regarding outplaying the US at full strength is also a tough argument. Canada was a very young team and played hard, but their skill level was lacking. The US Team were much better skaters, and it was apparent. The US Team was rarely pinned in their zone, in fact most of play was in the Canadian end. Canada scored 3 goals on fast breaks. 4 scored on a nice slapshot rush, 4 scored on 2 on 1 short-handed, and 16 scored on a 2 on 2 rush. Nice goals, but were scored on transition from turnovers at the opposing blueline, not a result of being outplayed.

I agree with your statement about the teams and players, it worked out well. Yes, Canada could have brought this guy and that guy, but then again, so could the US. I think we can all agree that there are far better Jewish Hockey players in North America than that of the ones that were on the ice in Metulla. But like you said, that is what made this tournament special and a great experience. I am very glad to have been there, and I only hope that others will have the same opportunity going forward.

By no means am I starting an argument here, I think it is obvious there will always be a rivalry between our countries, and I think it is very healthy for the game. I think your opinion is very good, and I also believe our side of the story as well.

Thanks for all of your work, the tournament was a pleasure.

Maybe next year we can meet in the final and may the best team win.

[Marc Brunengraber]

Welcome to the board, AJV, and thanks for your report and first hand account. We'd love if you would share pictures if you have them.

From what I saw of the Canadian roster, they were mostly Junior A players - below Major Junior level. Yes, there were a few CIS/Major Junior/minor league pro players, but unless I am mistaken, the team was mostly Junior A level.

As a result, I'm not at all surprised that the Canada-Israel contest was a close one.

Had Canada brought its top Jewish professional players (Nemirovsky, Henrich, et al.), they certainly would have killed everybody as you said. 20 goals? Not quite (LOL) - but, as you say, Canada would have been a clear and easy winner.

By way of comparison, in 2005, Israel fielded a team in the Spartak Cup where it had basically the same team, minus the three Eizenman brothers who were unavailable, but with Max Birbraer (who should have played in the World Jewish Cup for Israel), Michael Henrich, & Aaron Brand added, along with a non-Jewish goalie who played in the United League to split time with Gusin. They lost 6-0 to Spartak Moscow of the Russian Superleague, 4-3 to Neman Grodno of the Belarus Extraleague, and 4-2 to the Vienna Capitals of the Austrian EBEL League. I would venture to say that while the Israeli entry in the Spartak Cup was certainly stronger than the usual national team lineup (and it would not have been IIHF compliant, obviously, due to the presence of the non-Israeli registered players mentioned), it wasn't THAT much better. If Spartak beat them 6-0, I doubt they'd lose 20-0 to a team of Canada's top Jewish pros.

By the way, I am involved with the IRHA already as their spokesperson in North America (I just got involved in the past month), and I would love to help out with future tournaments in terms of raising awareness. I have many contacts in both the business, entertainment and hockey worlds (I am an attorney in New York). Send me a PM; I'd love to get involved and volunteer my time.

Incidentally, I've said this before and I'll say it again.....the Israeli federation should get the men's national team to tour. The Junior tours are fun, but the men's team would create real excitement in North America. Have them come play an NCAA Division I or Major Junior or ECHL or Central League team. Even if they get smoked, they would draw a crowd that could raise valuable awareness and funds.

New York has the biggest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel....set up a preseason tilt with the Rangers or Islanders...there would be a TREMENDOUS response. I have contacts to both organizations and can help.

Oh, and then you would get your 20-0 score, or maybe worse. LOL

But it would be worth it.

Finally, the Israeli men's team should be playing more events like the Spartak Cup, perhaps even an event like the Spengler Cup. Since these are non-IIHF events, guys like Henrich and Brand could be used again to strengthen the team. It would be valuable experience for the men's team to compete against very high level foes on a semi-regular basis to prepare them for the Division II championships, and hopefully, one day, an entry into Division I that does not result in relegation. If Israel is ever going to truly make the Olympic tournament (as has been the expressed desire), then the team needs to regularly play against the very best competition it can schedule games with, regardless of how lopsided the scores may be. You don't get better unless you play better competition.

[IsraeliHockeyteam]

Anyone with pictures from the Metulla World Jewish Cup, if you can please forward them to us. We would very much like to post them to our site.

www.israelihockeyteam.com

Thank you

[Tobias]

We're happy as long as you remember to mention IHF :)

[ajv9918]

Aaron Brand and Michael Henrich are Canadian Jews and have no Israeli citizenship. They were able to play in the Spartak Cup, because it was not a tightly called IIHF event, like the worlds. In this tournament, they would have played for Canada. I am not sure about Aaron, but Michael just got married in June. To be honest, if Canada had the players I named earlier, 20-0 might be actually be flattering. I am not trying to argue with anyone here, but I have been involved with Israel Ice Hockey for a long time, and I know many of these players from when they played on the Junior National Team. It would not even be close. Nathan Davis was clearly the best player in this tournament, and 6-8 guys I named are considerably better players at this point in their careers. There are guys on that list that can go end to end at will against anyone in that tournament.

As for Bobby's comments, well we each have our own opinions, but I will stick with mine. I thought Canada controlled the 5 on 5 play, and if there were less penalties called, it would be different result. Indivually, I agree that the US had better talent, but as a team I thought Canada played better. It would have been a hell of a game if we met again, but oh well. Next time around. The one thing where I will have to definitely disagree is in the youth department. Canada actually had an older team than the US, with the exception of Kaleb Coeppel. Canada featured 5 full time professional players in their mid to late 20's, plus a player in his 30's. There were 4 players 19 or under, but the majority were older than the College players on the US.

In any case, it was a great tournament and a great experience. It will be even better next time, but if you know us Canadians, then you know that we don't like to lose. So, we will come with a much stronger team next time around.

[Ottawa national]

The discussion about the games is great to read; especially from the perspective of people that were there. It would be great to see the senior National team tour — and perhaps they should think about the Spengler Cup as well.

I agree with Marc that it would raise funds and awareness of Israel's hockey program. Even here in Ottawa, we had almost 1,000 people last year to see the U18 team play and full coverage from the local media — and even an Member of Parliament to drop the opening face-off (I have a great photo if anyone wants a copy).

I believe that Aaron Brand sat out the season after suffering a head injury playing for Port Huron and has retired.

[Marc Brunengraber]

20-0 would simply not happen....Germany's national team 'only' beat Israel 11-2, and I doubt a team of Canada's top Jewish players would have enough depth to defeat Germany, which is a nation at the bottom of the IIHF elites/top of Division I (although the very top Canadian Jews like Nemirovsky are as good as any German players for sure).

Perhaps Canada will improve on its bronze next tournament.....we'll have to wait and see.

As I said, though, the Israeli men's team should tour. It would create desperately needed revenue, and playing against high profile foes and in high profile events would basically force the Israeli media - which shamefully ignores the team - to pay attention. And while the team would certainly suffer heavy losses, the players would learn from playing against far better competition - and thus be ready to win Division II, hopefully stay in Division I, and maybe one day meet that goal of making the Olympics.

But without playing much better teams to both (i) raise publicity/funds and (ii) give the Israeli team players much needed experience against elite foes, the goal of making the Olympics will never happen.

[ajv9918]

Marc, as I said with Bobby, you are entitled to your opinion, but I know this Israeli senior better than almost anyone else. I am on the board of the Israel Ice Hockey Federation, and played for Israel many years ago. I have skated with more than half of the guys on the team and I know them very well. This team plays a tight trap and they collapse in front of their own net whenever they are in trouble. Against Germany, they were outshot 97-10, and Gussin made 85 saves, before being pulled late in the third period. Germany stopped trying midway through the second, and if they really wanted to could have won that game by 30.

In that same tournament, France led by the Rozenthal brothers, beat Israel 15-0, and they too stopped playing after 2 periods. If you know your hockey, then you know the names I have mentioned to you, are not your average everyday players. Dave Nemirovsky plays for CSKA in the Russian Elite league, Mike Nemirovsky plays in the DL in Germany, Trevor Smith just signed with the Islanders, Jacob Mickflikier just signed with Edmonton, Michael Henrich plays in the DL in Germany, Adam Henrich is about sign a contract with another NHL club, Corey Pecker & Eric Himelfarb both signed with Lausanne which is on pace to be one of the tops clubs in Europe, Jason Bailey is a third rounder of Anaheim and is going to the AHL, Brandon Seagal was with Nashville, but got traded to another NHL club, Josh Tordjman has a legitimate shot of making the Coyotes this year as one of their goaltenders as according to their GM Don Maloney, Jhase Sniderman just came off a 30+ Win season and .920 Save Percentage in Moncton of the QMJHL, and there are many more.

The Israeli team is a one line team, and Alon Eizenman is not the same player he once was, having quit pro hockey in 2006 to puruse a law career. Oren Eizenman is looking for an ECHL contract and Gussin is 40 years old, and is not the same goalie he was even two years ago. Former solid players Eddy Revniaga and Sergei Belo could barely move in Metulla and are close to 40. It's like comparing apples and oranges. If that Canadian team turned it on for 60 minutes, a 20 goal win would actually be flattering.

In any case, we can talk about this forever.....In terms of the senior team touring, that is not a possibility. There are only three pros on the whole team, and two of them play in D-2 in Serbia, which is a joke of a league. The rest of the guys work full time and many of them have families. On top of that, they are spread all over the world and it would be way too costly to bring them all out to the same place. The Junior tour, which I have helped run since its inception, is the only realistic tour possible. The only thing that might be able to be done is having the senior team play a few exhibition games against NCAA D-3 teams or Junior B teams. NCCA D-1 or a Major Junior team would beat the Israelis very badly. However, even these games would be tough considering the B or C Pool World Championships are all over the world and are never in North America.

[Marc Brunengraber]

We'll agree to disagree on what the score might be, although rest assured that I am the first to admit that a team of Canada's very top Jewish players would destroy the Israeli national team by a lopsided score.

Also, as an aside, France 'only' beat Israel 9-0 at the World Division I championships two years ago, not 15-0.

In any event, the Israeli team will never improve if they almost never play. The federation needs to fundraise and allow the men's team to tour, despite the inevitable beatings that they would suffer against the type of teams I proposed having exhibitions with.

Playing against the type of teams I mentioned would raise a lot of awareness, and, if the deals are structured the right way, a fair amount of funding (either through splitting the gate or appearance fees). It would also allow the Israeli players to improve. If you're used to playing Spartak, or Davos, etc., you'll be ready to face Australia and Romania when the time comes.

How can the goal of making the Olympics ever realistically happen if Israel stays an average IIHF Division II team?

The team needs to get games, and it needs to play elite opponents, regardless of the scores.

In time, those types of games would eventually prepare the Israelis to crush Division II competition and eventually become a Division I mainstay....and if they win Division I even once, there's the oppotunity we all dream of.

As I said, I would love to help out and volunteer my time. I have connections that could possibly help bring about some of these games.

If you played for Israel years ago, I assume you know Paul Shindman and Danny Spodek.

Send me a PM or an email, I'd love to talk to you.

[Ottawa national]

AjV — The Brandon Segal you refer to is not Jewish. The Jewish Brandon Segal played for the University of Anchorage and not currently playing pro hockey.
Do you know who Adam Henrich has signed with?
Jason Bailey's immediate plan is to return to the Ottawa 67s as an overage junior for 07-08 unless things have changed in the last two weeks.

[IsraeliHockeyteam]

IHF Logos and Links posted on www.israelihockeyteam.com.

Thank you

[ajv9918]

The Brandon Segal I referred to from Nashville is half Jewish, although that is not public news. He does not consider himself much of a Jew, but there were numerous players in the tournament that felt the same way coming in. However, I believe that opinion changed with many of the guys after being in Israel. I am well aware of the other Brandon Seagal from the NCAA school in Alaska.

Marc, I am in complete agreement with you regarding the senior team touring, but it will won't happen, until the majority of the team comes from Israel, and they are mostly professional players. Firstly, Israel still needs a proper grassroots hockey program, which can only be implemented once an central arena gets built. We have been hearing rumors about a new arena for years, so let's hope something finally comes to fruition. By the way, the Hod Hasharon project that Alan Maislin keeps talking about is dead, so forget about that. At this point, 95% of these players have regular jobs in several countries. On top of that, many of the players are older, have wives and children. And most importantly, being involved internally with this organization, I can tell you there is essentially no money. So, the immediate answer is there is no real chance of this happening. The organization needs to get its house in order first.

[Ottawa national]

ajv — is money the biggest stumbling block for the construction of a new arena in central Israel - or are there Israeli hockey politics that we are not aware of that are also playing a part in this?

[ajv9918]

Ottawa National,

Even being involved, I still cannot give a solid answer as to why an arena has not been built. Money is definitely a big issue, but there might be others as well. I am not entirely sure. I do believe it will happen eventually, but where and how long it will take, nobody knows.

[Bobby Weston]

Quick News clip by David Miller who covered the Tournament

http://www.iitvnews.com/media/26/Israel_Hockey_Finals/

[Marc Brunengraber]

Outstanding! Thanks for posting that, Bobby.

[Ottawa national]

I had a bit of trouble streaming the video on my MAC - but it really is a terrific piece. many thanks for posting it!

[Marc Brunengraber]

Ajv -

Why not have certain clubs come to Israel and play against the national team on certain occasions?

That is certainly cheaper than having the national team travel (although I still think the federation should work hard to raise funds in order to allow the team to travel).

Israel holds a certain allure for many people of many faiths; I'm sure certain clubs would love to make the trip, play a game or two, and see the country.

It would be a great way to show a different side of Israel to these clubs and to the world than what is typically portrayed by the world media, and give the national team valuable experience.

Certainly the national team would have enough in the way of funds to rent the Metulla ice for the odd game here or there.

If nothing else, another way to improve the national team would be to improve the quality of the Israeli League - and that starts by having the league's teams play more than only 8 games per season. 16 games per season per team should be the absolute minimum, and the teams should have ice made available to them for practice - even one practice per week would be very helpful. Eventually, as the league gets stronger, more league players could play for the national team and reliance on dual Israeli-Canadians would lessen.

[Ottawa national]

Initially, there were supposed to be more teams competing in the World Jewish Hockey Tournament — and organizers are hoping for teams from Scandinavia, Russia, the Baltic countries - and even Mexico in two years time.

Can anyone comment on elite Jewish hockey players from any of these countries?
I try to do the best I can to track Jewish players — but outside of a few skaters in each country, I cannot see how they could put together competetive Jewish teams without some help/support from players of other faiths wishing to play in Israel (and perhaps this may be the way to go) ... but then again, outside of the Rozenthals, I was not aware of any players on the French Jewish roster.

It would be nice to see hockey return to the Maccabi games at some point. And it would even better to have more teams.

Again - my appreciation to all those on the Board who have commented on the World Jewish Hockey Tournament, sent links and shared photos.

[ajv9918]

Marc,

It's the same issue as that I raised before and it's the same problem bringing the team to North America for games/training. More than half of the Israeli team is Canadian and they will not be able to come for Israeli for games. There are only 3 pros on this team, 2 playing in Serbia and Oren Eizenman will probably end in the ECHL very shortly. Casey Russel plays NCAA hockey, and Sergei Frenkel plays college hockey in Canada. That's it. Forget about Birbraer, because he will never commit. All of the other guys are working men, and have familes. It is hard enough for them to get enough vacation time to play in the worlds and now the WJHC.

I reiterate, that there is only one way for this to happen. We need a proper grassroots program in Israel, so we can build players from a young age. We need a team mostly or completely based of Israelis. If most or all live in Israel, it would be so much easier to coordinate. Honestly, the Federation has almsot nothing, and they generate almost all of their money from the junior tours, which I helped start. They don't make a bundle on these tours, and everything they make pays for travel & logistics for the Worlds and icetime in Israel. When that's done, there is almost nothing left.

Ottawa National,

Initially, there were going to be 6 teams. I am part of the organizing committee and helped put this thing together. I won't give out my real name, because my opinions don't always coincide with Alan Maislin's, and I still have to work with him. Speaking of Alan, he has been known to over exaggerate quite often and speak about things before they become official, so please keep that in mind when you hear about new arenas and other ventures.

The 4 teams that played, were to be joined by Mexico and a Baltic team. The Baltic team was going to be made up of Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Finland and Hungary. Neither of these teams had the resources to participate and Mexico did not have enough players. If you are wondering why Mexico, it's because we have a relationship with them, after we played their Junior National team, in LA a few years ago. We hoped they could put it together, but I guess it was wishful thinking on our part....Next time around, there will be at least 5 teams and maybe 6. We will see what happens.

Outside of the North American born players, there are very few talented Jewish Hockey players. You have the Rozenthals, and former Toronto Maple Leaf Ladislav Kohn. You also have a few guys from Russia, who don't promote their Judaism because all of the Anti-Semitism there. One major player is Evgeny Malkin, who is at least half Jewish. That is confirmed, as members of the Federation met with his family members in a Shul in Russia. He might even be fully Jewish, although we will probably never know. Unless, there are a few others flying under the radar, that's all I know.

[Ottawa national]

ajv9918

Many thanks for taking the time to spell out Israeli hockey politics for us.
I too spoke to Alan when he was in Ottawa — and he was very emphatic about 6-8 teams playing in the tournament in October 2006. As you seem far closer to the scene - your perspective is valuable to all of us on this Message Board.

Thanks also for explaining the Mexican connection and the issues with the Baltic team.

The Jewish Sports Review has contacted both Khon and Malkin and they do not acknowledge any connection to Judaism. The anti semitism in Russia may have something to do with this — but Shel Walman the editor of the JSR is very thorough and checks his sources.

The only recent Russian player that may be Jewish is a guy that played for San Jose — Mikhail Kravets. And I have not been able to confirm this although I have tried various times. All the other Russians that Wikipedia and other Jewish sports sources claim are Jewish are not.

If indeed Malkin (or Khon) is Jewish, I know the editor of the JSR would really appreciate hearing about it.

As for Scandinavia - the Burakovsky brothers and Hirscovitz come to mind - although a fellow on this Board with good ties to Finnish hockey says that Hirscovitz may not be Jewish.

So it does not seem that there are enough Jewish players to fill the 6 teams. Perhaps it may be more realistic to propose a tournament that has as many Jewish skaters as a country can muster and then fill the lineups with players sympathetic to playing and advancing Israel's hockey program.

In any event, if your organizing committee can use my help in any way for the next WJHT, I am willing to do so and there may be others on this Board willing to assist in some small way as well.

Again - thanks for contributing.

[FlyBear]

Since it wouldn't be an official IIHF event, Eric Nyström (if he'd be available and willing to play) could play for the Swedish team rather than the USA. It would be a symbolic way to honor both his father's heritage and his mother's.

I'm not sure who else there might be.

[Marc Brunengraber]

Here are two video clips from the final game (Israel vs. USA). Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp43o...elated&search=


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvUNz...e=user&search=

[Hockey_Algeria]

there was a black guy on team usa who was he?

[Davide]

Emotional interview with Sherry Bassin

http://calsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey...47360-sun.html

[Marc Brunengraber]

Thanks Davide! That was an absolutely incredible read!

[Marc Brunengraber]

If Israel ever wants to truly improve beyond Division II status, it needs a better national league.

In order for that to happen, sponsorship money needs to come in.

In order to get sponsorship money, there needs to be public interest in Israel.

Perhaps the way to get that to happen would be a tournament in Israel involving the national team and some famous clubs that would cause the Israeli media to be interested.

Yes, the national team would suffer very heavy losses, but having famous teams come would probably create public interest.

Much of Israel's population came from the Soviet Union. Why not invite CSKA Moscow? Israelis who came from the Soviet Union would know CSKA - and even if they are not hockey fans, they'd know CSKA from soccer/football and basketball. Israelis would care if CSKA came.

Invite an NHL team, preferably the Rangers, Kings, Canadiens or Maple Leafs (since New York, Los Angeles, Montreal and Toronto have viable Jewish populations). Invite a third team, and a four team tournament is born.

Why would an NHL team or CSKA bother? The answer is simple......Israel holds a unique place in the hearts of Jews and many Christians as well, all over the world. These teams might jump at a chance to see the country and have a few training games there.

The media buzz would be enormous, and could serve as a springboard of interest that would help the Israeli league grow and improve.

Such a tournament could take a very simple four game format -

Each team plays a game, the winners meet in the final, the losers meet to decide third place.

Hold a tournament such as this, plus the World Jewish Championship again, and I'd bet domestic Israeli hockey takes off.

[Ottawa national]

The chances of an NHL team coming to Israel in July is pretty slim. The NHL has a hard enough time convincing their guys to play for Canada in the annual IIHF Word Championships in April - most of the players are beat up after a long season or bummed out after missing the playoffs.

And NHL players under contract, just will not get the "hechsher" to play in a tournament of this nature in the summer.

I think you raise a great point in that they really should be expanding the envelope
and inviting teams like CSKA (or any of the Russian club teams) to play. Israel competed in a summer Russian hockey tournament a few years ago (augmented by several non Jewish pros).

They have to have the event timed a bit better so as not to conflict with European training schedules and to ensure that teams have a chance to send competitive squads.

BUT - the biggest impediment to Israel's hockey effort is the absence of the proper hockey arena in the country's population centre. A rink in Tel Aviv would attract more players, more interest and more media - and also more international tournaments.

Israel could then host tournaments - IIHF ones as well as tourist hockey tournaments (all ages!) much like the ones operating in Florida. It is a potentially terrific avenue to pursue tourist dollars for many of the reasons you mention.

[Marc Brunengraber]

The tournament could be held in September, like the Red Bull Salute. You could then attract an NHL team a lot easier.

But yes, a rink in Tel Aviv is the key for sure.