Philadelphia, PA, November 28 – Phil Pulley and Devra Schorr, Co-Chairs, Maccabi USA Open Men’s Ice Hockey, have selected NHL Network analyst William (Billy) Jaffe and NHL Dallas Stars player Eric Nystrom as Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the USA Team at the 19th World Maccabiah Games in July 2013 in Israel.
Billy Jaffe participated in the 15th Maccabiah Games as the Captain of the Open Men’s Ice Hockey team, leading them to a silver medal. He also played hockey for the University of Michigan from 1987 to 1989. After many years as the color analyst for the New York Islanders, Versus Network, MSG Network, NESN and Rogers Sportsnet, he currently works as an analyst for the NHL Network.
“Going to Israel in 1997 as the team captain was a fun learning and cultural experience that I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for Ice Hockey,” Jaffe said. “My expectations are to help the players understand what a wonderful opportunity it is to experience something unique and special like the Maccabiah Games. It will be an incredible athletic and life experience.”
Eric Nystrom will be assisting Billy Jaffe and expects to set a great example for each one of the athletes on the team. Nystrom has experience representing the United States at many different levels; from the Under 18 Juniors World Cup to representing the United States in the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2010. Nystrom also attended the University of Michigan, qualifying for the All Rookie team during his debut season and becoming the captain during his final year at the University. He has also played on many different Teams in the NHL including the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild and currently the Dallas Stars.
“It’s an exciting day for Maccabi USA to have an NHL player and analyst as the coaching staff for the Open Men’s Ice Hockey Team,” Schorr commented. “Their contribution to the team will elevate the Games as a whole, along with the support of professional players participating in the return of Ice Hockey at the Maccabiah Games. The selection of Billy and Eric was not easy, given the significant number of highly qualified applicants for these coveted coaching positions. Many elite players will participate as members of the USA Open Men’s Team due to the appointment of Billy and Eric as coaches.”
For more information about the Maccabiah Games or to schedule an interview with one of our athletes, please contact Sara Feinstein at 215.561.6900 x119.
About the organization:
Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America. As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and Excellence in Sport. Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.