On a Learning Curve – Israel U20 takes part in IEHL

The second season of the Israel Elite Hockey League (IEHL) came to a thrilling end. HC Netanya regained their title from last year beating Bat Yam Dolphins 7-3 in the final. IEHL is a private project involving players from various countries and made mostly for fun – after all, what else can you expect from summer hockey? So, probably, you would think it is not worth mentioning on the Federation’s official website but … Let’s not jump to a foregone conclusion.

The significant change from the previous, inaugural edition, is that this time Israel U20 team was among the eight contestants. When you talk about young players and their development you would never argue with the obvious fact that every chance must be taken to let them gain new experience. Playing a few games against unlikely opposition, and spending more time on the ice no matter when and where can do only good for the youngsters, especially with the World Championships on home soil around the corner. And this is exactly how the new IHFI management feels and acts.

This is how the IEHL turned from pure fun to an important part of Israel U20 preparations for the 2024 IIHF Junior World Championship in Division 3A to be held in January at One Ice Arena. In a span of five weeks, the team played 13 games and enjoyed a run to the semifinals finishing just off the medals. But this is not – and never was – a question of win/loss record or placings for the young Israelis. As wise men say, you can either win or learn, and this is exactly the case for the country’s best talents still on a learning curve. They already have vast experience playing at U20 and U18 World Champs, and now the IEHL gave them another chance to grow as a team. And the chance was gratefully taken.

This was a truly unique experience as they had to play very different opponents. There were long-established teams amongst them, teams that played together for many years in the national championship, as well as teams composed of players who has seen each other for the first time here. Sometimes you know what to expect sometimes you don’t have the slightest clue but, in the end, it all adds to the excitement.

As exciting was the last week of the tournament for these guys. On Tuesday, July 18th, Israel U20 played the final game of the group stage, and the next day almost the entire team traveled north, to Metulla, for the final game of the national juniors’ league. There, they had to split and play against their teammates in a Kfar Saba Kings Jr. vs. North Stars Jr. clash. And on Thursday, they were back together in a national team playing against HC Tel Aviv in the IEHL quarterfinal.

Learning is fun, isn’t it? Especially, learning ice hockey as a junior!