Playing For His Country/Faith: By Carter Horwitz

Carter Horwitz
Rising Junior Defenseman | Men's Ice Hockey

It was just a normal day at Endicott when some of my teammates came up to me and said: "Hey, you should think about trying out for the team going to the Maccabiah Games." I knew about the games – which is an international gathering of thousands of Jewish athletes that takes place in Israel – but I wasn't too sure if I should tryout. It was ultimately my teammates that convinced me to go tryout. I also wanted the chance to represent my country through my religion and play hockey with other Jewish hockey players. I felt that this was a really unique opportunity for me that I couldn't pass up. 

After deciding to give it a shot, I flew out to Philadelphia for a weekend of tryouts not knowing what to expect at all. I don't know a lot of other Jewish hockey players, but when I showed up there was a lot of talented players. Some high-end NCAA Division I hockey student-athletes, and even some pro players. I had four skates in two days and felt pretty confident that I would end up making the team. 

Still, as anyone would be, I was nervous and anxious to find out if I was going to be able to go to Israel and put on a USA Sweater. I knew, either way, I was going to get a call. Then about three weeks later, while I was sitting by my pool in California, I got a phone call from a New York number. My first thought was "Oh, this could be coach" and sure enough it was. Thankfully, he had good news. We had a brief conversation about expectations and some little details that were still being figured out. 

To say that I was very excited when I found out the news would be an understatement. I remember standing up with a big smile on my face, I was at a loss for words, knowing that I was given the opportunity to represent my country, family, friends, Endicott, and my teammates. 

To say Carter was excited to win the CCC Championship this past winter is an understatement too.

I then began to imagine what this experience is going to be like, getting to go out on the ice with USA embroidered across my chest, with not just any team, but a team of all Jewish players. I knew it was something bigger than me, and that I was going to be a part of an experience that I've never been a part of before. 

Coming to Endicott I had no idea what to expect. I was really just looking for the opportunity to play as a freshman, continue to get better throughout my four years and help take the program to the next level with my teammates and coaching staff. However, I never thought I'd get the chance to represent Endicott on the international level. Like I said earlier, it's a unique opportunity and I am really looking forward to representing a program and school, that has exceeded any and all of my expectations. It also feels awesome to be able to represent D3 hockey, and show everyone that we have talented players in D3 and that it's also high-level hockey. 

NCAA Division III hockey fans know what Carter can bring to the table. The Maccabiah Games and its fans are next on that list.

On top of all that, I get to be over in Israel representing the United States on the week of the fourth of July with our first game of the trip coming against Canada on July 5th. I feel a lot of pride in being able to take the ice for our country, especially against Canada. I mean, what U.S. hockey player wouldn't want that kind of opportunity? 

It's just a crazy feeling to have the chance to play hockey in Israel with the letters U.S.A. across my chest. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity. Just talking about it gives me chills, but I'm sure it will be a whole different feeling when I get to go out on that ice and skate for the first time. 

I would like to thank all of the Endicott Hockey coaching staff for being extremely supportive and giving me the opportunity to study and play hockey. Also, my family and friends who have been my support system in the good times and the hard times, and have supported me in all of my endeavors. 

I can't wait to get going in Israel, hopefully, we can bring back some hardware. 

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