Category: IEHL 2024 News

Jewish and Israeli Hockey Leaders Propose Solution to Host 2025 IIHF World Championship Division IIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2025

Jewish and Israeli Hockey Leaders Propose Solution to Host 2025 IIHF World Championship Division IIA

Tel Aviv, Israel – Following the recent announcement regarding challenges in hosting the 2025 IIHF World Championship Division IIA, Jewish and Israeli hockey leaders have come together to form an Organizing Committee (OC) dedicated to resolving the issue by proposing an alternative venue. This united effort reflects a commitment to ensuring that the championship proceeds successfully, providing a platform for athletes and fans to celebrate the sport of hockey.

The newly formed OC is prepared to host the tournament at a premier North American location, addressing logistical concerns while offering an exceptional experience for all participants.

Key Elements of the Proposal:

  1. A Track Record of Success:
    The OC leverages extensive experience in organizing high-profile hockey events, including the upcoming Israel Elite Hockey League (IEHL) showcase game at UBS Arena in New York this March. This expertise positions the OC to deliver a well-executed and memorable championship.
  2. World-Class Venues:
    The proposed championship would take place at a state-of-the-art venue along the Eastern Coast of the United States, providing top-tier facilities and convenient access for all teams and spectators.
  3. Support for Participating Nations:
    To ensure accessibility, the OC will provide additional travel support to all participating teams, covering associated costs and removing financial barriers.
  4. Expanding the Reach of Division IIA Hockey:
    By hosting the event in North America, the championship gains exposure to new audiences, particularly within communities connected to participating nations. This presents a unique opportunity to grow the sport and celebrate international hockey.

A Collaborative Approach to Overcoming Challenges

The Jewish and Israeli hockey community has always been driven by a spirit of collaboration and innovation. This proposal reflects a unified effort to not only address the immediate challenges of hosting the 2025 World Championship but to elevate the tournament to new heights by expanding its global reach.

Rather than cancel this important championship, we believe the solution lies in collective effort. We call on the IIHF and participating countries to support this initiative and work together to ensure that the tournament proceeds as planned. With cooperation and shared commitment, we can overcome the current obstacles and provide an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

Contact:

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Organizing Commitee Media Relations & Founders

Mikhael Horowitz & Tom Avery
Email: israelhockey2021@gmail.com
Phone: +972-54-903-7129 or +1-972-388-1759

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A Weekend to Remember: Israel Selects Sweep Sin City Kings in Vegas Showdown 🏒🇮🇱

A Weekend to Remember: Israel Selects Sweep Sin City Kings in Vegas Showdown 🏒🇮🇱

The Israel Selects touched down in Las Vegas last weekend with no expectations, just a passion for hockey and a mission to connect with the community. What unfolded over the next few days was nothing short of extraordinary. From heartfelt local connections to dominant performances on the ice, the weekend was a resounding success.

Friday: Community Connection

Our journey began early Friday morning with a visit to the Zucker Jewish Academy of Las Vegas. The team had the incredible opportunity to play floor hockey with the students, sign autographs, and share the joy of hockey with future fans. The energy and excitement of the kids were contagious, setting the tone for a meaningful weekend.

Later that evening, the team experienced the warmth of the local community when amazing families opened their homes to host the players for a traditional Shabbat dinner. The hospitality was unforgettable, and the delicious food and meaningful conversations made the night truly special.

Saturday: Dominating Game One

As Shabbat came to a close, it was time to hit the ice for the first game of the weekend. The evening kicked off with a ceremonial puck drop by newly elected Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkey, who brought her energy and enthusiasm to the event.

The game itself started with an early goal by the Sin City Kings, putting the Selects on their heels. But our team quickly regrouped and found their stride, scoring an astounding 11 goals to secure an emphatic 11-2 victory. It was an exciting start to the weekend, leaving fans buzzing and eager for the second matchup.

Sunday: Hard-Fought Battle

Sunday evening saw the Zucker Jewish Academy return in droves to cheer on the Israel Selects in game two. The atmosphere was electric, and the tone was set early when a center-ice scuffle ignited the crowd and intensified the rivalry.

The game was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams trading goals and momentum throughout. In the end, the Selects dug deep, pulling ahead to earn a hard-fought 6-4 victory and complete the weekend sweep. The cheers from the fans and the effort on the ice made this game one for the books.

Thank You, Vegas!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sin City Kings for being exceptional hosts and for two fantastic games of hockey. The camaraderie and competition exemplified the spirit of the game, and we’re already looking forward to returning to Vegas next season.

To the families who hosted us, the Zucker Jewish Academy for welcoming us so warmly, and all the fans who came out to support us—thank you for making this weekend unforgettable. The Israel Selects are leaving Las Vegas with full hearts and two wins, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey and future games. Until next time, Vegas—thank you for everything!

Israel Tour Team

The Countdown is On: Israel Selects in Vegas – 1 Month Away! 🏒🇮🇱

The Countdown is On: Israel Selects in Vegas – 1 Month Away! 🏒🇮🇱

The wait is almost over—just one month from now, the Israel Selects are bringing their hockey tour to Las Vegas for a weekend of thrilling matchups against the Sin City Kings! Mark your calendars for December 21st and 22nd, as both teams hit the ice in what promises to be an unforgettable series of games.

Tickets Are Officially On Sale! 🎟️
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets for both games are now available for pre-purchase! Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot for this family-friendly hockey showdown. Both games are set to deliver high-energy action, great sportsmanship, and plenty of entertainment for fans of all ages.

👉 Game Links:

Whether you’re cheering for the Israel Selects or the Sin City Kings, your ticket purchase supports both clubs as they continue to grow the game of hockey in their communities.

A Fun-Filled Weekend Awaits!
Las Vegas may be known for its nightlife, but this December, the focus shifts to the ice. Both games will be family-oriented events featuring fast-paced hockey, enthusiastic fans, and an electric atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

Gather your friends and family, pick your seats, and get ready to enjoy a weekend of great hockey while supporting two incredible teams.

Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and a closer look at the players leading the charge for the Israel Selects. Let’s fill the stands and make this a weekend to remember!

See you in Vegas! 🌟

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🏆 2024 IEHL Season Recap: The Dolphins’ Road to Victory and What’s Next for 2025 🏒✨

🏆 2024 IEHL Season Recap: The Dolphins’ Road to Victory and What’s Next for 2025 🏒✨

The 2024 Israel Elite Hockey League (IEHL) season was one for the books, packed with drama, triumph, and unforgettable moments. Held from June through July at the newly built Blue Ice Arena in Ashdod, the season saw the Jerusalem Capitals, HC Tel Aviv, Holon Vipers, and Ashdod Dolphins battle it out on the ice. Fans were treated to intense competition and thrilling matchups, capped by the Dolphins hoisting the IEHL Cup for the first time in team history. But before we look to the promising 2025 season, let’s dive into the unforgettable stories from this past summer.

Jerusalem Capitals: A Tale of Perseverance and Grit

The Jerusalem Capitals entered the season with high hopes, bringing in a carefully balanced mix of seasoned veterans and young talent. As one of the league’s most experienced teams on paper, they faced an early setback with a tough loss in the opening game, putting their resilience to the test. Injuries and a string of unfortunate calls slowed them down initially, but the Capitals found their rhythm and clawed their way back into the playoffs. In a dramatic playoff run, they battled past the Holon Vipers in a three-game series, securing their spot in the finals against the formidable Dolphins.

Captain Itzik Levy was a standout, consistently rallying the team and sparking moments of intensity on the ice. Veteran forward Josh Greenberg continued to deliver when it counted most, scoring clutch goals at critical times, while Yuval Halpert brought both grit and finesse, fearlessly protecting his team and the net. Rezzy, the team’s “brick wall” goalie, was spectacular, making jaw-dropping saves and keeping his team in contention every game. Ultimately, the Capitals fell just short in the finals, losing to the Dolphins in a close game three, but their season remains one marked by determination and skill.

Holon Vipers: The Physical Powerhouse

Known for their tough, physical play, the Holon Vipers came into the season looking strong on paper and ready to make a deep run. Yet, consistency proved elusive. Led by captain Chris Blake and defensive powerhouse Sigalov, the Vipers showed flashes of brilliance but often found themselves taking one step forward and two steps back. JC Lymn was impressive between the pipes, standing tall against fierce opposition, but the team struggled to find a sustained rhythm throughout the season.

The Vipers battled their way into the playoffs, where they faced off against the Capitals in a nail-biting three-game series. Despite a hard-fought battle, they ultimately fell short, securing a third-place finish. Known as the most physical team in the league, they’ve announced plans for a major roster overhaul to pursue the IEHL Cup in 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense season next year.

HC Tel Aviv: A Season of Struggle and a Vision for the Future

After winning the IEHL Cup in the inaugural season, HC Tel Aviv has faced back-to-back seasons of unfulfilled expectations. Despite a strong start and standout performances from All-Star defenseman Joe Finfer, Tel Aviv struggled to overcome a series of setbacks and never managed to hit its stride. Star forward Lebaur led the team’s offensive efforts, rallying alongside a dedicated supporting cast, yet Tel Aviv couldn’t quite break out of their slump, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

With new leadership on the horizon, Tel Aviv is eager to turn the page and reclaim their position as league contenders in 2025. Fans have a lot to look forward to, as the team is already making adjustments in hopes of delivering the electrifying hockey and competitive spirit that once made them champions.

Ashdod Dolphins: From Bat Yam to Champions

The story of the Ashdod Dolphins this season was nothing short of remarkable. Formerly known as the Bat Yam Dolphins, the team’s relocation to Ashdod and new home at the Blue Ice Arena proved to be a winning combination. The Dolphins dominated the league from the outset, with a stacked roster featuring former and current pro players, both local and international. Led by an exceptional goalie who was near-impossible to beat, the Dolphins showcased elite play and skill throughout the season.

Their only loss came in a close matchup with the Capitals, but it did little to deter their momentum. By the end of the season, the Dolphins had proven themselves as the team to beat, culminating in a decisive victory in the finals to claim their first-ever IEHL Cup. The Ashdod Dolphins celebrated in front of their home crowd, marking a high point in their journey and setting a new standard for excellence in the league.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the IEHL in 2025

The upcoming 2025 season promises even more action, with new teams, expanded rosters, and fierce rivalries. Fans can expect an elevated level of play as teams like HC Tel Aviv rebuild, the Holon Vipers gear up for a comeback, and the Capitals look to strengthen their roster in pursuit of the elusive IEHL Cup. Meanwhile, the Ashdod Dolphins will face the challenge of defending their title against hungry competitors eager to dethrone them.

With a growing fan base and the energy of Blue Ice Arena fueling the league’s momentum, the future of hockey in Israel has never looked brighter. Schedules, roster announcements, and more updates are on the way, so stay tuned for what promises to be the IEHL’s most exciting season yet. The 2024 season was one to remember, but 2025 is set to bring even more thrills to the ice!

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Israel Selects Head to Viva Las Vegas! 🇮🇱🏒

Israel Selects Head to Viva Las Vegas! 🇮🇱🏒

The Israel Selects are heading to the entertainment capital of the world—Las Vegas! From December 20th to 22nd, our team will be bringing the heat to Sin City with an action-packed weekend of hockey. This winter tour is all about connecting with fans, showcasing elite hockey talent, and, of course, battling it out on the ice. The highlight of this tour will be two exciting games against the Sin City Kings on Saturday, December 21st, and Sunday afternoon, December 22nd. These back-to-back matchups are sure to be unforgettable, with both teams ready to put on an epic show for fans.

Whether you’re a hockey enthusiast or new to the sport, this is a must-see event if you’re in the Las Vegas area. Expect top-tier talent, intense competition, and an electric atmosphere as the Israel Selects represent Israel’s hockey community on U.S. ice. We’re looking forward to seeing fans in the stands and feeling the energy that only a place like Las Vegas can provide!

Stay tuned for more details and ticket information as we get closer to the dates. Make sure to follow us on social media for updates on the games, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and more!

Game Details:

  • Who: Israel Selects vs. Sin City Kings
  • When: Saturday, December 21st & Sunday, December 22nd
  • Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

Get ready, Vegas—The Israel Selects are coming!

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FINAL SCORE 4-3: Team Israel Selects Secure Second Tour Win Against Toledo! 🏒🇮🇱

FINAL SCORE 4-3: Team Israel Selects Secure Second Tour Win Against Toledo! 🏒🇮🇱

FINAL SCORE 4-3: Team Israel Selects Secure Second Tour Win Against Toledo! 🏒🇮🇱

WHAT A GAME! Team Israel Selects finished their first tour weekend with an impressive 2-0 record after a hard-fought victory over the Toledo Mobsters. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, the Selects came out on top with a 4-3 win, capping off a thrilling weekend of hockey.

Game Recap

The Mobsters came to play, pushing the Selects from the get-go and keeping up relentless pressure. Every time Toledo found a chance, Israel answered back with poise and determination. It was a tight game, with both teams trading goals and battling for every inch of ice. But the Selects’ focus and resilience shone through, allowing them to edge out the win in the final moments.

Thanks to Our Hosts and Fans

A massive thank you to the Toledo Mobsters organization for an incredible game and for welcoming us with such generosity. The crowd’s energy lifted both teams, creating an atmosphere that made this game one to remember. And to all the fans who filled the stands and cheered on both clubs — thank you! Your support was felt by every player and truly made a difference.

With two wins under their belt, the Israel Selects are off to a fantastic start, inspired and motivated for the rest of the tour. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far, both in the stands and from afar.

Until next time!

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