NEW YORK, NY - The Yeshiva University Roller Hockey Team will kick off the second half of their season this Sunday in Rhode Island after their performance in the first semester produced a consensus first overall national ranking in DIII. Coming off an impressive showing in the National Tournament last spring, including a huge upset of #2 University of Colorado and an Elite Eight finish, the Macs retained a majority of their core, and welcomed a few newcomers as well, and were more than ready to build on the momentum of last season.
 

Yeshiva started off their 2023-2024 campaign on October 29th in Tiverton, RI, where they shut out Vermont, edged out Stony Brook, but fell to the powerhouse Hofstra. The squad roared back the next weekend in Broomall, PA, facing the top talent of Oswego, Syracuse, RIT, and Montclair State. Despite having four games stuffed into only a few hours, YU swept the weekend, and pulled off huge wins against the top rated OSU and MSU. Following two weeks off to rest, recover, and regroup, YU finished off their first half in Bethpage, LI with wins first against Stony Brook, then versus Vermont, followed by Boston University (AA). Their last game of the weekend and first semester was a grudge match against perpetual rival Hofstra, the only team that beat Yeshiva in the first half. Despite the pressure, the Macs left it all on the court, overcoming a 3-1 first period deficit to take down the Pride 11-6 and end the first semester in first place in the ECRHA. 

In addition to the top overall ranking, the Macs have been impressive in the stats category as well. Captain Yoni Drazin was put on "MVP Watch" list thanks to his 38 points in 11 games. Rookie Sol Feder has been putting the league on notice with his 21 goals in 11 games, as has Benji Froom courtesy of his 18 scores. And of course, star goalie Michael Mintz is in the top five of GAA, SV%, and wins.

The job is far from over, as the Maccabees have two more weekends of play before the regional and national tournaments. Yeshiva will be up in Tiverton, RI this coming weekend with three games against Vermont, Temple, and URI. Then they'll be back in Bethpage, LI to close out the regular season. The ECRHA regional tournament will take place in Broomall, PA on March 1st and 2nd, and the NCRHA National Tournament will take place in Auburn, ME at Norway Savings Bank Arena from April 17th thru 21st.

Be sure to follow up on social media @yurollerhockey!