It was something never seen by Jerusalem assistant coach David Warsofsky, an NHL defenseman from 2013-18 and the older brother of San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky.
“I think it was a moment everyone remembers the rest of their lives,” Warsofsky said. ” A lot of these guys haven’t been able to play in an arena like this. It’s a historic moment for Israeli hockey.”
To suggest that the presentation exceeded the wildest of dreams and expectations of league players, coaches and executives is more than fair.
“This is a dream,” HC Tel Aviv coach Stuart Gourdji said. “Coaching in front of, I think we had 8,000 people. Truly incredible hearing Hebrew songs at a hockey game, the music, the spirit, the atmosphere.”
Ivan Gluck, an 87-year-old survivor of the Holocaust, struck the first of many emotional chords and the most powerful. Jerusalem’s honorary captain skated shortly before the opening ceremonies wearing No. 18. He took fist bumps with players and left the ice to a rousing ovation.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
