A group of middle‑aged Jewish hockey players from St. Louis, who called themselves ‘The Chosen Ones,’ captured the 2024 Centene Bronze A Spring League championship, turning a long‑awaited reunion into a celebration of sport and heritage.
The team’s distinctive mascot — a cheesy bagel with a scowling face — was designed by founder Sam Koplar as a playful nod to their cultural roots and the Westwood Country Club where the idea first took shape.
A Mascot with a Message
Comprised of men ranging from 38 to 54, the roster blends former coaches, longtime friends, and new acquaintances who rediscovered each other after years apart, forging a bond that felt both nostalgic and freshly energized.
Team captain Andrew Kogan, who had narrowly missed a championship in earlier seasons, finally realized his goal, describing the victory as the culmination of a personal mission and a testament to perseverance.
Veteran Monte Sandler, now playing alongside men he once coached two decades earlier, recalled the locker room filled with light‑hearted kvetching, while several teammates even attended Kogan’s bar mitzvah, underscoring the depth of their personal connections.
More Than a Trophy
Beyond the trophy, the win reinforced a shared pride in Jewish identity, with each player openly embracing the heritage that unites them, while the bagel mascot continues to symbolize good fortune and a distinctive sense of humor.