NEW YORK, NY - The Yeshiva University Maccabees finally broke through with their first win of the season, defeating NJIT 9-6 at the American Dream. It wasn't just a game—it was a night to remember, capped off with a photo featuring an IDF soldier and referee Will, a heartfelt "Am Yisrael Chai" moment that brought the team and community together.
YU came out determined, with Captain
Sol Feder setting the tone early. Off a beautiful rush play,
Gabriel Hornblass connected with
Ezra Csillag, who hit Feder in stride up the middle. Feder wasted no time, ripping one high-blocker side for the opening goal. Riding the momentum, the Macs earned a power play, and Csillag quarterbacked the play from the blue line, finding Greenberg by the hashmark. Greenberg picked the top corner to double the lead.
The Macs didn't let up. Hornblass was relentless on the forecheck, intercepting a breakout pass and working his way forehand-backhand to put YU up 3-0. NJIT clawed one back before the first intermission, but Yeshiva kept control in the second. Hornblass again came up big, feeding Csillag for a laser to make it 4-1.
YU's depth showed next, with
William Jacobs battling to keep the puck in at the blue line. Jacobs outmuscled an NJIT defender to set up
Gabriel Lallouz, who sent a behind-the-back pass to
Benji Froom. Froom walked in from the right side and unleashed a howitzer, putting YU up 5-1. Before the period ended, Feder made a statement play, shielding off a check in the defensive zone, carrying the puck coast-to-coast, and threading a seam pass to Hornblass for a 6-2 lead.
The third period wasn't without drama, as NJIT rallied with a pair of goals to make it 6-4. But YU responded with poise. Hornblass and Csillag again connected to push the lead to 7-4. The Highlanders made it enjoyable, cutting it to 7-6, but the Macs wouldn't be denied.
Benji Froom's second-night rocket and a Greenberg wraparound sealed the deal.
The first line of Csillag,
Jacob Diner, and
Gabriel Hornblass dominated, racking up four goals and eight points. Csillag was everywhere, scoring twice and setting up two more. Hornblass matched him with two goals and two assists, including the game-winner. Greenberg had a night to remember, too, finding the back of the net twice and adding an assist. Feder was a playmaker all game, scoring once and picking up two helpers, while Froom's heavy shot was lethal, adding two more goals to the tally. Jacobs and Lallouz each pitched in with an assist to round out a massive team effort in this long-awaited first win.
The Macs not only found their offensive stride but also showed the resilience needed to secure their first win of the season. It was a night of triumph, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
