Flemington, NJ, Sun. Dec. 13 – This morning the Titans B Mites took to the road for a game against the Renegades.  It was a big day not just for the game, but for the holiday party that followed.

First, the game.  When D-man Jake T guaranteed a 1500% effort, you could sense the outcome would not be in doubt.  The team followed through with a 7-3 victory and an impressive 44-7 shots on goal.

Brett N got the Titans going with his first of the game.  Then Tim R knocked home a rebound off a shot by Matt F.

One of the things Coach Rich noticed was the Renegades were doing a good job clogging the high and low slot area.  Even though the Titans would manage thirteen shots on goal in the first, many more were pinballing off clusters of Renegades.

The Renegades did get a goal but the Titans still held a 2-1 advantage after one.

In between periods Coach Rich and Coach Jason made the boys aware of all the traffic in front of the Renegades net.  They were instructed to work the puck lower and outside, something they did more effectively in the final two periods.

Mike F fired one home.  Brett capped the second period scoring with a goal to extend the Titans lead to 4-1.

Late in the middle frame, Tyler D was wacked pretty hard but the infraction went undetected.  Tyler was a wee bit livid when he returned to the bench.  Coach Jason just hoped T would be able to keep his emotions in check.

On his first shift of period three, the Tim in Tyler erupted.  Doing a pretty good impression of Gino Odjick, Tyler opened a can of payback on the unpenalized Renegade and was summarily discharged to the box.  Boys will be boys.

Matt F scored on a superb feed by Van F.  He did the same again, this time Brett and Van got the assists.  Tyler then got even the best way a hockey player could – he scored.  The Renegades got a couple of more, but the Titans had the game wrapped.

Jake certainly gave his all, as did Will H.  And even though he wasn’t busy, Matt the Crease Clearer did have to make a few important stops – even though they’re all important.

After the game, it was time to head to Coach Rich’s for the holiday party.  It would prove to be a treacherous journey at first, as the roads of western Jersey were sheets of ice.  But everyone arrived in one piece.

 Now you wouldn’t normally associate reptiles and meatballs with a December holiday event.  But today they were front and center.  Or, more precisely, up and down.  

The Lizard King of Central Jersey – or someone – kept the boys captivated with snakes and lizards in the basement.  And Mrs. Coach put out quite the spread, including homemade meatballs, in the kitchen.  The boys took home new red Titans sweatshirts and memories of a great day.

Go Titans!

Wall, NJ, Sat. Dec. 12 – Following a brief hiatus, the Titans B Mites were back in business this morning as they played host to the Nutley-Clifton hockey club. 

The boys didn’t forget how to score though, or shoot, posting 39 shots to Nutley’s 8.  The result was a dominant effort that produced an 11- 4 victory.

Feisty Tim put the first one on the board.  In an obvious attempt to one-up his brother’s performance in Hershey against the Stars, Matt F buried a high backhander, his first of five.  Brett N returned from injury and picked up where he left off, drilling a high one past the Nutley netminder.  Matt F scored again just as the buzzer signaled the end of period one.

Nutley did however, manage one goal in the first.

Will H started the scoring in the second on an assist from Van F.  Mike F went end-to-end and scored on a blistering roofer.  Brother Matt F decided to try the same thing and was equally successful.  Clearly the M&M brothers were practicing their high shots at home this past week.  Dominic T got in on the act and put up the Titans eighth goal.  And Matt F finished the second period scoring on a beauty assist from brother Mike.

Goaltender Matt C didn’t get much work in the second, but he made the one save on the one shot he faced in the period.  Jake T continued his solid play on the blueline and is regularly making big defensive plays.  Will too was flying up and down the ice, holding the opposition at bay.

With a 9-1 lead going into the third, Coach Rich decided to shake up things.  Jake played some shifts at forward.  Van and Dominic played some D, which they seemed to enjoy.  “I like playing defense,” stated The Dominator.  “You get to skate more.”  Van even lobbied Coach Rich for more blueline time.

So how can you tell when Coach Rich is especially pleased with the play of his goaltender?  He lets EVERY-body know.  Early in the third, Matt The Crease Clearer had to be big on two good shots.  Coach Rich roared his customary approval. 

Mike F was called for a tripping penalty that may or may not have been.  But Matt F got a shortie on a textbook assist from Brett out of the corner.

Nutley then capitalized on the power play for their second goal of the game.

Matt F roofed yet another to give the Titans their eleventh and final goal. 

With Brett in the box, Nutley got their second power play of the period.  They would also tack on one more.

From start to finish it was a total team effort.  There were some really nice plays made this morning and the passing is improving by leaps and bounds.  Terrific win.

Titans rule!

Ahhh… Thanksgiving.  Family, food, football.  Well, maybe if you’re a normal American.

If your son is a Titans Mite, you found yourself in Hershey, P-A for a Thanksgiving weekend tournament.  Goals and chocolate were plentiful during this time we celebrate the bountiful harvest.

The boys got off to an early start on Friday morning with a contest against Montclair.  A shortened roster looked to be problematic but In the end, the Titans were victorious 7-1.

Later that afternoon, the ol’ Hersheypark Arena was the setting for the Titans matchup against the Colonials.  It was quite the accomplishment getting the equipment bags down the steep, narrow staircase. (Just think, Chicago Stadium minus Billy Reay.)  Unfortunately the old barn was not kind to the Titans who got tripped up in that one, 6-2.

Saturday’s game against the Stars turned out to be the Mike F show.  His jets were scorching that afternoon as he managed a hat trick in the first period.  That was all the team needed in a 6-1 final.

Much to everyone’s disappointment, the points system and the bracketing in the tournament meant a less than competitive game on Sunday morning against the Long Island Royals.  The boys did get a chance to work on their passing, and boy did they put on a show.  Netminder Matt C  had plenty of time to commune with his thoughts as he faced two shots. The final tally for this one was 20-0.

When the boys weren’t scoring on the ice, they were trying on their knees at the hotel.  Knee hockey was all the rage.  An emotion shared by some hotel employees, one of which actually confiscated some midget sticks and nets from another group of players.

There was also the pool, foozball, Chocolate World, and someplace called Hershey Park.  Yes, a good time was had by all.  And even though it wasn’t the traditional Thanksgiving weekend, at least most of us were spared sight of the Detroit Lions.  Something to be truly thankful for.

     Normally on a Saturday morning parents and players alike would be waking up , loading equipment into the car, and headed to a rink all before the sun came up. For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about “This is Mite Hockey” This was not the case on Nov. 14 2009, because the game was home and at 12:00PM at Gold coast Arena. The time was different but one thing was the same, the Titan Mites were focused and ready to play. The Titans would be facing the Old Bridge Jr Knights, and just like last year this one was exciting start to finish. 

After the warm-up the kids made their way to the bench for a quick talk from the coaches and to review the starting lines, and after a 1-2-3 Titans we were under way. The Titans looked like they had the energy of a nuclear power plant. Kyle and Tyler G. were back checking hard and controlling the puck in the neutral zone. The Titans wings were capitalizing on this by skating hard into the Offensive zone and finding their mark with great passes in front of the net. At 10:09 in the first period Zach and Danny got things moving. Danny won the puck down low and centered it to Zach waiting on the far post. Zach shot the puck and put it between the pipes making it 1-0. Old Bridge came back strong and were skating the puck through the neutral zone, but some fantastic defensive work by Dante and Christian denied the Knights chances. Matt was partnered up with Tyler D. on defense as well, and the Knights would run into a road block with them as well.

When the puck dropped to start the second period, the Titan offense really turned it up. The defense moved the puck out of the zone time and time again, and waiting on the boards every time was Katie. This paid off for the young forward as she had countless breakaways and accounted for most of the shots on net in the second. Then at 10:59 Danny won a battle behind the net and backhanded the puck into the net from the side of the goal making it 2-0. Then with Tyler G. now on defense the Titans continued there ways of gaining control of the puck in their zone and moving up the ice. Zach then made a move up the middle and received the puck mid stride and took it in for his second of the game making it 3-0. After two hard playing periods, both teams were still looking strong and the third period was still yet to come.

Old bridge came out strong in the third and were skating harder than they had the whole game. Drive after drive up ice they were determined to penetrate the Titan defense. Christian and Dante proved to be a match made in heaven. With every forward focused on getting around Christian Dante would skate in and break up play after play. With Kyle now playing on Tyler D’s line the Knights didn’t have much luck against them either. Both defense men kept the Old Bridge forward out toward the boards making it difficult for any shots on net. The Knights were not without their chances, and did make it past the Titans defensive lines. As usual they were greeted by the fasted glove on the east coast, “THE PUCK FUNNEL”. Sean made some great saves in the third and despite the Knights out shooting the Titans in the third period, he stopped everything that was thrown his way. The difference in the Titans game in the third was the ability to win pucks in the neutral zone and then dump the puck deep into the offensive zone. Joey was key in the third winning every battle along the boards and finding Tyler G. and Kyle skating hard toward the Old Bridge net. The defense also did a great job keeping the puck in the Knights zone and this was enabling the forwards to do their magic around the net. At 11:18 Matt found his mark and put one in from 15 feet out helped by a great screen from Joey and Katie. When the horn blew the Titans had won another hard fought battle and gave the Puck Funnel his second shutout for the season. After the game Coach Jason didn’t have much to say and seemed anxious to get into the locker room, but he did have this to say, “ Nothing makes me happier than when we play well as a team. A win like today can only be because of one thing, team work. Later we found out why the coach was in a rush, The Titans were on their way to Trenton to participate in the Mites in Ice at the Trenton Devils game. “ stay tuned for highlights” So with another exciting Saturday of hockey behind us, please join us next week when the Titans take on the Colonials on Nov. 21^st at 8:30am.

GO TITANS!!!!!

Wall, NJ, Nov. 8 — The Bridgewater Bears migrated south this morning to take on the Titans B Mites at Gold Coast Arena.  And the Titans, led by goaltender Matthew C, were ready.

The club’s longest and shortest losing streak of the year ended  at one as they edged the Bears, 3-2.

Clearly there’s something about the higher round numbers, as the team promised a “500 percent” effort during the pregame talk.  For the record, someone’s suggestion for 450 was rebuked in favor of the 500. 

Coach Rich reminded his team to be mindful of their defensive play and the importance of good passing.  The message was received and understood.

It was a particularly special morning for Will, who finally got his team sweater.  He was thrilled.

Richard K got things going for the Titans.  Flying through the neutral zone like Bobby Hull, Richard took control of the puck at the blueline and put it past the Bears netminder.

The Crease Clearer came up huge late in the period, stoning a Bears forward.  It was his first game saving stop of the contest.

The Bears did manage to score one goal in the period.  But Brett N, who actually played defense, helped the Titans take back the lead by beating the Bears goalie who appeared to be standing asleep.

Taking a 2-1 lead into the second, The Crease Clearer had to be sharp early, denying a wraparound attempt.

Great pressure later in the frame paid off for the Titans.  Riley H scored what was to be the game winner on a rebound after a perfect pass from Dominic left Tyler with one-timer.

Will and Jake were workhorses on defense. 

The Bears would get on the board once more, capitalizing on a power play.

Matt F and Mike F had their speed on display as usual.  And nobody messed with Feisty Tim R, who played an excellent game nonetheless.

With just under four minutes left in the game, Brett came to the bench for rest.  “I’m tired,” the gassed d-man huffed.  Not sure why.  He only played the entire game to that point.

But the morning would belong to Matthew C.  Bridgewater came on fast and furious in the final seconds of the game.  The Crease Clearer, however, proved impenetrable.

The boys were much more upbeat when all was said and done, clearly having put the hiccup of the previous morning behind.  Winning does that.  And hard work produces wins.

Great win,Titans!

Bayonne, NJ, Nov. 7 – The Bayonne Rangers played host to the Titans B Mites this morning.  Unfortunately, the Titans found themselves on the wrong side of a 3-2 decision.

It was their first loss in this still young season.  But they didn’t go quietly.

The guys were kept off the scoreboard in the first.  Matty C made two huge saves on a penalty kill.  The D in front of him limited the Rangers chances.

Bayonne tapped in the only goal of the period to give them the 1-0 lead.  They also had the edge in shots, 4-1.

The Titans offense sprung to life in the second.  Good forechecking led to several scoring chances.  Van F looked very much like Phil Esposito, parked in front of the opposition net to roof one off a shot from Dominic T.

Unfortunately, the Rangers also scored.  Butt Matt The Crease Clearer made a great save midway through the period to keep it a one goal game.

Attention to defense kept the game tight.  Particularly the effort of Big Jake T who played his strongest game to date.

Late in the period, Brett The Speedster rifled one home to knot it at 2-2.

All morning the Titans had to battle through “old time hockey.”  Not the Toe Blake or Eddie Shore variety.  More like Roger Neilson’s 1996 Florida Panthers.  But the boys worked valiantly through the clutch, grab and tackle hockey of their opponents.

Late in the third period, the Titans forward was whistled for wearing skates on the ice – or something like that.  That was all the Rangers needed as they netted a power play goal to seal the deal.

Still, the team showed plenty of hustle and they never quit.  Coach rich was proud of that. 

Go Titans !

Little Falls, NJ, Nov. 1 —  If Clary Anderson Arena was more Boston Garden, Floyd Hall Arena is definitely more Verizon Center.  That’s where the Titans B Mites traveled to take on Montclair.

The rink amenities were 21^st century and the locker rooms rather professional.  Maybe the only thing missing was pre-game music.

Maybe not.

The beat rolled on anyway for the beach boys as they manhandled a more populous Montclair team, 9-3.

Coach Rich embraced the club’s enthusiasm, as calls to give “300 percent” reverberated through the dressing room before taking the ice. The team was clearly loaded for bear.

Matt C had to come up big early in the first, turning back a breakaway shot.  Brett N put the Titans on the board with a blazing wrister.  Mike F sent one home.  And Brett put in another on an assist from Matt F to give the team a 3-1 lead after one.

The second period saw the Titans blast Montclair with shots, 15-1.  Brett managed the only goal of the period with Van F getting the assist.  The D, anchored by Jake T, Will H, and Tim, Don’t Mess With Him, continued its stellar play.  They kept the play in Montclair’s end for most of the game.

Dominic started the third period scoring with a goal assisted by Brett.  Mike F chipped in the next two.  The Dominator tallied the 8^th of the morning.  And Rich K, skating like Guy Lafleur, delivered one to the back of the net to make it 9-3.

Again Coach Rich commended his club’s all around solid play.  Another weekend of sweeps and still undefeated.

Way to go, boys.  Titans rule!

Montclair, NJ, Oct. 31 –  It was still dark outside as the Titans B Mites arrived at the rickety old, but famous, Clary Anderson Arena to face off against Nutley-Clifton.

Still, it was nice to see familiar faces as the Titans Squirts were already on the ice blanking their opponents.  Matt C and Brett N were lending their services. 

In what is becoming a familiar refrain, the Titans emerged with a 9-0 victory.  A dominant effort led by a four goal performance by The Dominator, Dominic T.

Tyler D got things going early on some nice work in front of the net.  Matt F banked a high backhander.  And Dominic netted his first off an assist from Mike F.

Nothing to report on Matt The Crease Clearer, as he faced a no shots in the first.

In the second, Dominic picked up where he left off, poking in a rebound off a shot from Van F.  The Titans continued to apply excellent pressure in the offensive zone.  Jake T, Matt F and Brett N were stalwarts on the blueline, rendering Nutley-Clifton’s harried clearing attempts useless.

Midway through the period, there were coincidental minors.  Timmy got tripped, Timmy hacked back.  Feisty Tim, don’t mess with him.

The only things Nutley-Clifton managed on the four on four were their first two credited shots of the game.  The Crease Clearer was up to the challenge though.  His first save was a big one.

Matt F finished the second with a goal, extending the Titans lead to 5-0.

Things were a bit sluggish early in the third.  The boys were standing around too much, something Coach Jason noticed.  “Too much turkey,” he mused.

The Dominator got the team out of the doldrums to secure his hat trick.  Then reminiscent of his second tally, he fired one in off a shot from Van.  Matt F scored after a face off.   Tyler made it 9-0 on his second of the game off an excellent pass by Brett.

Sharp passing made Coach Rich happy.

The frenetic play later in the period made everyone forget the lackadaisical effort earlier.  A big save late helped Matt C notch his second shutout of the day — all before 9:30 am!

The Titans finished the match with a 23-7 shots advantage.

A recurring theme to be sure, but a four goal performance early in the morning almost demands the question.  So we asked Dominic what he had for breakfast this morning.  “Nothing,” he shrugged.

Hey, whatever works.

Coach Rich was happy with another strong effort and the outstanding result.  Still undefeated, still awesome.

October 25, 2009

Flemington, NJ

It was a beautiful drive out to Flemington as the foliage was in full effect and the Renagades were looking for revenge from last weekend, but Will and company weren’t going to have it.

The game started out with Dom catching fire quickly who had 2 quick goals, one on a breakaway and the other off a nice shot by Timmy.

Here comes Dominic

The Renages made it a game when they scored two quick goals of their own to make it 2-2, but then Brett won a loose battle at mid ice and took it down the ice to make it 3-2

All of a sudden Matt F caught fire with 3 unanswered goals.

Matt unleashes a canon

The game was pretty much well in hand which made the Titans Mite B team very happy !

Normally on a Sunday at Gold Coast Arena the sound of music before a game means the Juniors are about to take to the ice, but not this past Sunday. This Sunday was the home opener for the NJ Titans Mite C team, where they hosted the NY Titans. Both teams took to the ice with music blasting and would soon be formally introduced to the home crowd. After the warm-ups each player from both teams were introduced and stood patiently at the blue line. With the introduction of the last player “Sean THE PUCK FUNNEL Ryan” the teams stood at attention for the playing of the National anthem.

With the opening ceremonies complete it was time to drop the puck. Both teams started off very strong and it was a coast to coast battle throughout most of the first 5 minutes. Tyler D. Dante and Christian were impenetrable at defense and Katie, Danny, Matt, and Zach were moving the puck out of the Titans zone at the points. Tyler G. and Kyle were penetrating through the NY Titans defense and were really giving NY all they could handle. Then at the 8 minute mark Tyler D. made his move up the right side and put one away to put NJ ahead. 1-0. Then 1:30 later Tyler found another opening straight up the middle and scored his second of the game making it 2-0. At this point the kids were looking better than they had ever looked and when Kyle, Katie and Danny took their next shift they looked determined. Kyle dumped the puck deep into NY’s zone and Katie fought hard to win the puck in the corner. The puck was thrown in front of the net where Kyle and Danny were waiting ready to mix it up. Danny got control of the puck and flipped it into the net scoring his second goal of the season.

The second period was some of the best back and forth hockey we have seen all year. The NJ defense was relentless in front of the net and Forwards Matt and Zach were in perfect position the entire game. This paid off for NJ making it very difficult for NY to keep the puck in the NJ zone, and the 2 forwards were responsible for most of the offensive pushes up ice. Dante was also finding his comfort zone at the blue line walking the puck in and pestering the NY Titans goalie. At times you almost swore you saw a young Brian Leetch taking those shots. NJ was not without it’s close calls. NY was determined in the second and a few times got past the NJ defense to only be up against the most feared situation in all of youth hockey today, “THE PUCK FUNNEL”. Sean came up huge in the second and made a terrific glove save to stop a NY break away. He also communicated very well with the defense and was able to control every puck that came his way. As the second period ended the kids looked great and with only one period to go they lined up in front of the bench in between periods.

The third period was just as exciting as the first 2 periods. NJ was very strong on offense and Tyler G. was getting opportunity after opportunity coming across the NY blue line. He was patient, backing up his wings in the corners and fore checking like a pitbull. Kyle was also a monster in the offensive zone and all his hard work really paid off. Kyle was involved with every scrum in front of the net and nearly put one away in the third. NJ did a great job keeping the puck in NY zone and at 11:14 in the third the puck popped out to the points where Christian was waiting and ready. Just as he got a shot off Kyle, Katie and Danny created the greatest screen you could ever ask for, and the puck crossed the goal line making it 4-0. Midway through the third the wings really started to breakout. Zach and Katie both won pucks at the points and were able to carry the puck into NY’s zone and continue the offensive rush. Matt and Danny were very strong and were able to find Tyler G. and Kyle time after time to breakout of the zone. When the final horn sounded The NJ Titans found themselves with there second win and a job well done. When we caught up with Coach Jason we asked him what he thought of todays game,” I think our wings are really starting to understand their roles and responsibilities. If you look at the difference in our games now I would have to say our wings are really stepping it up and making things happen. Matt, Zach, Katie ,and Danny are examples of textbook wings, They stay in position, win battles and that leads to us getting scoring opportunities.”

The Mites would also like to thank Rich Jouaneau for helping out and providing the music and announcing, for the game. He volunteered his time a made it a day the kids will never forget. Join the Titans Next Sunday Nov. 1^st at Gold Coast arena where they will host the Jersey City Capitals.

GO TITANS!!!!!!!!