Sports

NY Boulders Sign Team Israel Baseball Player Assaf Lowengart

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

Rockland County, NY (February 8, 2024) – The New York Boulders announced today the signing of Team Israel Olympic Baseball Team member Assaf Lowengart. Lowengart, 25, has played at the highest level of international baseball for many years and will be making his professional debut with the Boulders.

“The game of baseball has taken me around the world and one of my stops was working out with Team Israel and playing an exhibition game against the Boulders at Clover Stadium before the Olympics in 2021” Lowengart said. “I am thrilled to be able to return now and begin my professional career in New York.”

A versatile power hitter, Lowengart played last season for the College of William and Mary. He hit a home run in the first game of the season, but also suffered a season-ending ankle injury in that game. That injury cost Lowengart a spot on Team Isreal’s World Baseball Classic team. He returned to action to represent his country at the 2023 European Championships in the Czech Republic. That marked his 3rd time playing in the European showcase baseball event. In 2021, he led Israel to the Silver Medal in Italy where he led the week-long tournament with 13 RBI and 4 home runs. In 2019, Lowengart helped Israel make history by winning three tournament games to clinch a spot in the 2020 Olympic Games in Toyko.

“I am thrilled to have Assaf join the Boulders this season.” said Shawn Reilly, Team President. “He is an exceptional young man and an exciting player. He personifies the type of player we want on the Boulders. We have a special bond with our local Jewish community and Assaf will give them an extra reason to cheer the Boulders this season” Reilly said.

A native of Timorim on Israel’s coastal plain, Lowengart blossomed in his teen years to star on his junior teams. He played college baseball for one season each at San Joaquin Delta College and SUNY Sullivan Community College and two season for Mansfield College of Pennsylvania before joining William & Mary.

“I am delighted for Assaf, the Boulders and their fans and for all of Israel baseball” the Israel Association of Baseball president Jordy Alter said. “To see Assaf get to fulfill his dream of playing professional baseball with the Boulders, who have long been friends of Israel baseball, and for young players in Israel to see that hard work can pay off like it has for Assaf is a great situation for all”

Sports

Pearl River’s Drew Fortescue Scores First NHL Point, Earns Third Star in Rangers Debut

Published

4 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Pearl River native Drew Fortescue made a memorable debut with the New York Rangers, recording his first NHL point and earning third star honors in his first game with the team.

Fortescue, a defenseman and Rockland County native, contributed to the Rangers’ performance by notching an assist, marking his first official point at the NHL level. His strong showing on both ends of the ice helped him stand out in his debut, ultimately being named the game’s third star.

A product of Pearl River, Fortescue’s journey to the NHL has been closely followed by the local community. Known for his steady defensive play and hockey IQ, he developed through the junior and collegiate ranks before earning his opportunity at the professional level.

Earning a point in his first NHL appearance is a significant milestone for any player, and being recognized as one of the game’s top performers makes the moment even more notable.

Fortescue’s debut represents not only a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Pearl River and Rockland County, as another local athlete reaches the NHL stage.

Sports

Rangers Add Pearl River Native Drew Fortescue on Entry-Level Deal

Published

1 month ago

March 22, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with defenseman Drew Fortescue on a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced. The deal was confirmed by Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury.

Fortescue, 20, recently completed his season with the Boston College Eagles men’s ice hockey, where he recorded four goals and 10 assists for a career-high 14 points in 36 games. Among Boston College defensemen, he ranked second in goals and third in assists and total points.

A native of Pearl River, New York, Fortescue appeared in 112 games over three seasons with Boston College, totaling 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists). During the 2024–25 season, he set a career high with 11 assists and posted a plus-28 rating, which was tied for seventh among all NCAA skaters and ranked second on the team.

On the international stage, Fortescue represented Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship in both 2024 and 2025. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defenseman also competed for the U.S. National U18 team in 2023 and the U17 team in 2022. He earned gold medals at both World Junior Championships and the U18 Championship.

Fortescue was originally selected by the Rangers in the third round, 90th overall, of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.