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!!!!!

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!!!!!!!!

Before every Jr Titans Mite C game you will see player after player entering the with one thing in common. They all proudly wear their team shirt which says” Its not whether you get knocked down its whether you get back up again”, and thats just what they did this past Sunday. The weekend game would also welcome all Mite C parents to the wonderful world of travel hockey. Rainy, Cold, and 5:15am the Mite C families would be on their way to Bridgewater for a 6:50am puck drop against the Bears. With the kids dressed and ready to skate coach Jason went over the importance of working as a team and staying in position as they practiced this past week.

The morning prior to the game the team had a bit of ice time to practice positioning, and work on the importance of team play. Within 15 minutes of practice the coach could see that not only did the kids understand their positions, but they were ready for the showdown against the Bears.

When the puck dropped all the hard work and determination started to pay off immediately. The Forwards were not only staying in position, but they were also winning pucks high in the defensive zone. With the likes of Tyler G and Daniel D at center the offensive push would start, and would not end till the final horn. Defense was also strong with Tyler D., Christian, and Dante playing strong enough to be rank pound for pound against any line in the NHL, and at the same time generate a lot of offense from the points. At the end of the first period the game was tied 0-0, but at the mid point of the second period everything would start to click in the offensive zone. The line of Katie, Zach and Daniel pushed the puck deep in the Bears zone, and Daniel buried a pass from Zach to give the Titans a 1-0 lead. The action in the second did not stop there. Tyler G. was relentless on the boards and won battle after battle which allowed Tyler D. to push the puck up open ice and pester the goalie with shots from the slot. Dante also made some fantastic offensive moves, walking the puck in from the blue line and firing shot after shot at the Bears goalie.

At the start of the Third the Titans came out a little flat and the Bears capitalized. At 11:25 in the third the Bears put away a rebound goal past the puck funnel that not even Marty B. could have stopped. After the equalizing goal it looked like the teams were so evenly matched that a tie was inevitable, but thats when Matt P. really came on strong. 1 battle, 2 battles, 3 battles, every battle Matt was winning at the points. He was also winning pucks at crucial times in the Neutral zone which lead to some great shooting opportunities for the young forward. Then at 8:53 in the third the determination of the team paid off. 5 year old Zach B. won a puck deep in the Bears zone, and unassisted put the Titans ahead 2-1 with a blistering shot from the right side. The Titans were not done yet, because the remainder of the third would play out just like the first and second. Katie B. would also come up with the puck in the Neutral zone time after time, and would allow her to carry the puck past the Bears defense. Matt P. also continued his excellent game play and at the 2:01 mark would get called for his first penalty. When coach Jason was asked about the penalty he had this to say, ”In hockey there are 2 types of penalties, good penalties and bad penalties, this was a case of a good penalty. Matt went in hard for the puck and his only intentions were winning that puck and driving it to the net. I would not want Matt to play any other way than the way he did today. “ Tyler G. also had his share of chances, with hard work and constant pressure the young center is quickly becoming known as the work horse of the Titan Mite C’s. It’s also worth noting that Tyler G. and Daniel D. stepped up big in the game, both double shifting and putting in the extra effort to fill in for Kyle C., who was out with Strep throat, and Joseph H who was still in contract negotiations. Coach Eric was asked after the game if he had any concerns going into the game and he said, “ Kyle and Joseph are strong players and we were a little worried not having them here, but the kids stepped up and everything turned out OK. It will be great to have them back next week and we all hope Kyle gets better.” The Titan defense would also continue to deny everything that came their way. Christian made some of the most amazing plays that would deny opportunity after opportunity for the Bears. There were however times that the Bears would drive through the Titan defense, but be met by something that no youth team can prepare for ” THE PUCK FUNNEL”. Sean Ryan came up big shutting down every shot that was thrown his way. Coach Jason commented on Sean’s performance. “ Sean has been my goalie for two seasons and if you ask me he continues to grow and develop in every game we have. In this game Sean played better than I have ever seen before, and I for one think we’ve only seen half of what he is capable of.” With the sound of the horn at the end of the third the Titans found themselves with their first win and a game that they should all be very proud of .  The Mites have the first home game next Sunday, against the NY Titans and I can’t describe how exciting it been to watch these young player evolve into great hockey players. GO TITANS!!!!

     A Team with a remarkable history and legacy in the hockey world has once again graced the ice for another unforgettable season. With names like Hooper, Bianca, and Nestepny moving on to higher levels, there is a new breed of hockey player just waiting to fill their shoes.

It all started on Saturday morning at 8:40am EST in the Staten Island Skate pavilion where the NJ Jr. Titans were about to Face off in the season opener against the NY Titans. For most of them this was the first time they would be suiting up to play a regulation game. The locker room was filled with anticipation, and the kids sat down for the coaches pre game speech. Coach Jason told them this was there chance to show the world how hard they have worked and how far they have come in such a short period of time.

After a quick warm-up the kids were ready for the puck drop, and lined up at center ice. As soon as the whistle blew the Titans did not disappoint. In the first period the NY Titans were giving our kids all they could handle, but they could not penetrate the unstoppable defense of Katie B., Christian B., and Tyler D. The other obstacle the NY team was not prepared for was our very own Sean R. (The Puck Funnel) After a long fought first period The Titans had held NY to a 1 goal lead and were ready to dish out there own offensive fire storm. When the puck dropped for the start of the second the NJ Titans found themselves off the a slow start and gave up 4 goals, but that was the last opportunities the NY Titans would have and our kids were ready to show their stuff. The Defense started to find the likes of Daniel D. (Double D), Matt P. , Zach B. and Joseph H. waiting on the wings and made some outstanding breakout passes to start the offensive rush. Tyler G. and Kyle C. were finding their way through the NY defense and were pressuring the NY defense like.

As the 3^rd period started it was all NJ from start to finish. With relentless pushes up ice Tyler D. was peppering the goalie and sure enough found his mark and put one away to start the scoring. 30 seconds later Christian B., and Katie B., repelled the NY forwards and found Zach B. waiting at the hash marks. With a beautiful pass through the NY defense he hit his mark and connected with Tyler G. in stride. Tyler G. rocketed up ice and buried the puck in the back of the net to make it 5-2. From there on out the Titans were relentless, but could not capitalize on there hard work and finished the game with a 5-2 loss. The game however was not a loss in the eyes of parents and coaches. After the game Coach Jason said, “The kids have come so far in such a short period of time, and in my book this is a win all around. We did exactly what we came out to do, Play hard, do our best, and have fun doing it”. We tried to get more from the coach, but he seemed more interested in congratulating the team and made his way to the locker rooms. In all my years as a reporter I have yet to see such a young team start out so strong, and if I was a betting man I would keep and eye out for this team in the months to come.

Sunday was a different kind of challenge for the NJ Jr. Titans where they were facing the Ramapo Saints B team at the historic Sport O Rama arena. Due to last minute cancellations the Titans stepped up and accepted the invite to face the more experienced team. Now I’m not one to make any kind of excuses, but the Titans were up against more than just a more experienced team. Star Defense man Dante B. was unable to make the game, Zach B. was dealing with a virus, and The Titans only had 2 defense man for the game. This however did not stop the Titans and they made there way out for the puck drop. Again the Titans came out a little slow, and at the end of the second period found themselves down 5-0. They were exhausted and down, but they were not out, and just like Saturday stepped up in the third period and came out strong. Joseph H. was like a man on a mission at the blue line and along the boards. He fought for the puck and won some key battles which enabled the Titans to push up ice. Matt P. and Katie B., also won pucks on the boards that would start offensive breakouts and put the Saints back on their heels. Daniel D. and Zach B. also did a superb job from the points, and found Tyler G. and Kyle C. streaking across the blue line with nothing but the back of the net on their minds. Tyler and Kyle were also a thorn in the side of the Saints with their relentless forechecking and constant pressure in front of the net. What the Saints really weren’t prepared for was the outstanding defensive play from Tyler D. and Christian B. It was like having Bobby Orr and Scott Stevens on the same line. Tyler D. was like a work horse with gaining control of the puck in our zone and starting a push up ice, where the Saints were forced to put double coverage on the young defense man. Christian shut down the Saints every time they stepped across the blue line, and he was influential in every offensive rush the Titans had. Not only did Christian’s hard work play a key role in the Titans success but he also earned the game puck. In the end the Titans held the Saints to only 6 goals and showed everyone they not only have become hockey players, but they also have hearts bigger than any hockey rink in the USA. They never gave up and gave a much more experienced team all that they could handle. After the Game the Saints coach was quick to point out how well the Titans played and specifically Sean Ryan in net. Once again the Puck Funnel had a fantastic game and is a key factor in the Titans success every season.

The Mites continue to work hard week after week and if any of you have a chance please let them know how proud we all are of them. These kids are the future of the Titan organization and I for one couldn’t be happier to have it any other way . GO TITANS!!!!

Round 1
On Friday March 13, 2009 the Titans made their decent on South Mountain Arena. The kids were excited and for good reason, they had half days of school due to the early game schedule. The tournament would consist of 3 preliminary games then 2 final games, one game for 3rd and 4th place, and one game for 1st and 2nd. In the first game the Titans drew the Old Bridge Knights, in which both teams had face each other during the regular season. This was not the regular season however, and the OBK came to win. As the puck dropped for the 1st period OBK went on the offensive scored just 12 seconds into the game. This must have been a wakeup call because the Titans came back with a vengeance. Midway through the 1st Dom T. made a great pass to center ice to find Tyler D. who tied the game at 5:04. The Titans continued the pressure and finished the 1st period with a trashy goal from the TDT line. Dom fed Tyler G. down load who one timed it to Tyler D. who stuffed it home to take the lead. The second period was a different story Old Bridge went on the offensive and the Titan Defense answered and answered loud. The Titan Defense consisted of Kyle N. and Nick B., Michael O. was the man between the pipes due to Sean Ryan (The Puck Funnel) having a school obligation. Nick and Kyle denied everything OBK had to offer and Michael was fantastic in goal. The trio kept the Titans ahead going into the 3rd. The 3rd period  was the Titans turn to go on the Offensive. Larry Hooper (Hoop) put the Titans ahead 3-1 at 6:16 in the 3rd with an unassisted break away goal from the red line. The Knights however got there second wind and kept it close until Richard K. made a great break out pass to center ice where Larry took over and scored his second of the game. Then 40 seconds later Kyle N. passed the puck to a waiting Larry Hooper at the blue line. Larry took the puck into the Knights zone for a shot and Van F. finished up with a goal from the rebound giving the Titans the 5-1 win and 2 points.

Round 2
The Titans now faced the NJ Devils Mite C team at 6:45am. The Devils were coming off a 7-1 lose to the NJ Freeze the day before, but were not about to give up. The Titans came out strong in the 1st period and Larry H. was first to strike at 9:45 netting a breakaway goal. Tyler D. was next when he got a pass from Dom T. behind the Devils defense, and put it in on the goalies pad side. Hoop made it 3-0 with another goal straight up the middle at 4:30 in the 1st. Michael O. then fed Tyler D. a perfect breakout pass from the Titans Zone and Tyler scored his second skating it from the Titan blue line. With 45 seconds left Van F. and Richard K. crashed the net and Richard put one home to make it 4-0. The second was a back and forth battle. Tyler D. started the Titans off with a breakaway goal at 7:30 and his first hat trick. The Devils then answered back with a much more offensive approach. The Titans had difficulty clearing the zone for much of the second and the Devils finally capitalized scoring at 2:42 in the second. The TDT line had seen enough and Tyler Dom and Tyler made a final assault on the Devils zone. Dom came across the Blue line and fed the puck right to Tyler D’s stick and he put one in glove side for his firth of the game. The Titans switch up the lines in the 3rd moving Hoop to D and moving Kyle and Nick up to Offense. Kyle fore checking was awesome and Nick was like a man on a mission, which paid off. After 2 unanswered goals from the Devils Van delivered Nick the Puck across the crease and Nick put it away with 1:38 remaining. Sean Ryan played a big role here as the Devils out shot the Titans 15-13, leaving no question why he is the (PUCK FUNNEL). That solidified the win and gave the Titans another 2 points.

Round 3
Earlier in the day the NJ Freeze defeated Old Bridge so that guaranteed The Titans and the Freeze a spot in the 1st and 2nd place game. The kids however played like it was the Final game of the tournament. The game was back and forth throughout the 1st period, but in the end the Titans found themselves down 2-0. Tyler D. then put the the Titans on the board assisted by Dom T. making it 2-1. The Freeze then answered again making it 3-1. Late in the 2nd Van, Richard, and Larry scored in front of the net, but the goal was after the ref said it was kicked in. Although questionable the call would stand and the Titans went back to work. The 3rd period the Titans made a final assault. with 2 minutes to go The Titans pulled the (Puck Funnel) and put out the extra skater. Kyle and Nick did everything but pull the kitchen sink out to keep the puck in the Freeze zone. With seconds to go Dom and Hoop fought for the puck along the boards and gained control. Dom fired one toward the slot to Tyler D. who shot low to the goalies pad side only to barely miss and hit the post. This would end the contest and give the Freeze a well deserved win over the Titans. The Locke room was quiet but tomorrow was the game on everyones mind now.

Championship Round
The Final was set for 7am March 15, 2009. The team showed up and were well rested. The coaches gave a quick speech about how proud they were of the kids and how if they play their best nobody could beat them. They also reminded the kids that whatever the outcome of this game they couldn’t imagine coaching any other team than the one right in front of them. With that the Titans took to the ice. The 1st period was probably the best hockey we have seen all year both teams doing a phenomenal job  on defense as well as offense. What it came down to was who had the better goaltender. At 9:05 in the first the Titans struck first. Once again it was the TDT line moving the puck up the ice. Dom made a great pass to the boards with Tyler D. charging ahead. Tyler came across the slot with Tyler G. close behind and gave the Titans the go ahead goal. The rest of the 1st was a battle between Sean and the Freeze goalie. Both goalies made save after save denying everything in there paths. At the start of the second the Freeze looked tired and the Titans capitalized. At 10:32 Van came up big assisted by Hoop to put the Titans up 2-0. Then a 1:30 later Hooper received a breakout pass from Kyle N. where he skated up middle ice and secured the 3rd goal for the Titans. About mid point of the period the Titans took a penalty and the Freeze machine kicked in. The Freeze mounted a push up ice and scored their first of the game making it 3-1. The next 18 minutes of hockey would keep every player, coach, and parent on the edge of there seats. The remainder of the 2nd was some of the best and smartest hockey at the Mite level. Not one mistake from either side and both teams were giving it everything they had. With the sound of the buzzer both teams hovered around there bench. As the parents looked on the coaches gave there last period advice and with a 1, 2, 3, TITANS we started the 3rd. The 3rd period started the same way the 2nd period ended back and forth aggressive hockey. Both teams would take penalties but it was the Titans that would feel the penalty sting the most. From about the 9 minute mark to  about 5 minute mark the Titans would be on the penalty kill. Shift after shift the Titans gave it all that they had, the 2 Tyler s looked like they had just  ran a marathon, Dom and Hoop were orchestrating plays at mid ice, Van and Richard were crashing the net like kamikaze pilots, and Kyle Nick and Michael guarded the house like pit bulls. The man who would have the biggest challenge would be Sean Ryan. at about the 4 minute mark the Titans took a penalty and the Freeze was awarded a penalty shot. This was a very dangerous situation because a goal now would lead to a 6 on 5 for the remainder of the game. As the Freeze striker approached the red line the refs gave their last minute instructions to the striker and the Puck Funnel. When the whistle blew Sean saw the play before it even happened, the player went glove side and Sean stuck to the glove side post like glue and denied the shooter. With 3 minutes left the Freeze pulled the goalie, but nothing was going to deny the Titans their chance at glory. Attempt after attempt the Titans cleared the puck, and with 30seconds left Tyler G, Van F, Richard K, Nick B, and Kyle N. took to the ice and held the Freeze off to win the 2009 Ed Lynch Memorial Shamrock Tournament. Way To Go TITANS!!!!!!!!!!

Titan Mite C’s Split the Weekend

Part of a two game weekend the Titans started off playing the Toms River Blackhawk’s on Saturday afternoon at Winding River Arena. Defensively the Titans had there hands full with the aggressive skating of the Blackhawk’s Defensive strikers. The Blackhawk’s Defensemen would consistently penetrate the Titans Zone carrying the puck in only to be met by Nick, Larry, and Michael O. They did manage to give the Titans some Trouble scoring two goals in the 1st period, but Sean “Puck Funnel” Ryan kept his composure. The Titans were not without there own Offensive play. At first glance you would have sworn it was Zajac and Parise, but passing duo was Dom T, and Tyler D moving in for the kill. Tyler found the back of the net with a great passing assist from Dom. The Next Goal came off the breakout where Michael O made a great cross ice pass to Larry H “Hoop” who put one between the pipes to tie it up. The Titans played the 2nd period very aggressively and it paid off. Dom scored his fifth goal of the season from a pass from behind the net from Tyler D. The Blackhawk’s would come back with another coast to coast run from their defensemen making it 3-2. Tyler G had a great opportunity from the side of the net, but the shot went wide. The Titans were able to regain possession of the puck at the Blue line and Nick B. made a great and assisting pass to Dom who would strike again for his second of the contest. Rich K. was also a thorn in the Blackhawk’s side in the 2nd. Rich would make some blazing runs up the boards in the breakout using the boards to bank the puck around the entire Blackhawk’s team. In the 3rd period the Titans made certain that the Blackhawk’s coast to coast runs would end. The Defense did an outstanding job, but it was the “Puck Funnel” who would deny everything the Blackhawk’s had to offer. One shot in particular that Sean would make, would rival even Marty Brodeur who couldn’t have possibly saved. The Blackhawk’s not only had trouble with Sean and the defense, but also had trouble moving the puck through the Neutral zone where Van F. won almost every puck the Blackhawk’s came at him with. Hoop the Titans resident Bobby Ore would start the scoring in the 3rd. A perfect drop pass from Kyle N found Hoop in the slot, and he drove it home for his second of the game and 12th of the season. The Titans then got caught out of position and a shot from the Blue line would deflect off of a Titan skate making it 4-5. Then Tyler D would strike again with a pass from the boards from none other than Tyler G. The Titans would hold the Blackhawk’s off for the remainder of the game giving them the 6-4 victory over the Toms River Blackhawk’s.
Later that afternoon the Titans would meet at the Morristown Hyatt in Preparation for their Sunday road game against the Colonials. The kids had a great time swimming and attended a team dinner where they turned the floor into something that would rival any movie theater in the entire United States. On this day they would not only give the Blackhawk’s everything they could handle, but also Kayla Troisi (Dom’s sister) who would handled babysitting duty so the kids could watch TV. Larry H. and Kyle N., and Nick B. were not in attendance, but rumor had it they were in negotiations with RBK for a potential endorsement deal.
After good nights sleep the Titan parents would make their way through the snow and arrive at the Twin Oaks Arena for a showdown with the Colonials. From the drop of the puck the Colonials gave the Titans all they could handle in the Titans zone. Then Dom T. made a great pass through the Neutral zone to Tyler D. who scored his 10th of the season. Throughout the Game the Titans would get things started from the breakout with great passes, but the Colonials would do the using their blazing speed. Van F. made a great move in the slot but was denied by the Colonials Goalie. He was also joined by Rich K. Dom T. and Larry H. who all had outstanding opportunities all stopped by the Colonials man between the pipes. With the absence of star defenseman Nick B. the Titans started to show signs of fatigue. At the start of the 3rd period the Titans were down 2-1, and would drop a short handed goal to the Colonials making it 3-1. Michael O. then stepped up to fill in at Center to make a final push for the Titans. Late in the 3rd Rich K. made a screaming pass the Larry H. who scored the second Titans Goal bringing the Titans one away from the Tie. This however would not be the Titans day. The Colonials were able to hold the Titans and win the game 3-2. At the end of the game Coach Jason said, “We played a hard fought game with a short bench today, and the kids gave it everything they had. We had to double shift everyone today, and every one of the kids gave it their all. We have some things we need to work on, and a loss like this only makes us stronger, and helps us focus on things we need to work on. We have 2 practices this week and we will make sure that we use these’s to make a strong showing against the Devils next week. Coach Jason was also quick to point out the outstanding work of his goaltender. “Sean Ryan was the main reason why we were so competitive today. Without the “Puck Funnel” in net for us this would not have been such a close game. He made save after save and kept us in the contest till the very end”. The Titans continue their road trip next week at South Mountain Arena were they face the Devils B team on Jan. 24th.
GO TITANS!!!!!

The Titan Mites faced the Old Bridge Knights on 1/11 at Gold Coast Arena. Like their last game this contest would be a back and forth battle till the end. The lineup for the Titans changed a bit mid season making sure that everyone is able to try different positions and develop their games. Michael O. would trade places with Kyle N. and play defense. Kyle N. would start at center and both kids did not disappoint. In the First and second periods Michael played like he was built for D, anticipating plays and guarding the house like a Doberman. This would pay off earning him defensive player of the game. Larry H. (Hoop) would also play a key role at D which would pay off at the end of the game. Shift after shift for the first two periods it would be a grinder at both coasts, a nail biter with ohhhs and ahhhs from the stands. Van F. and Richard K. both had shots from the slot that curled the toes of the Knights but the puck did not find the net. Sean Ryan would also prove to be a spoiler for the Knights, denying everything they had to offer and coming up big when we needed him most. Between the second and third periods it looked like the game could only be determined by a shootout. Then early in the third Tyler G. made a phenomenal pass from the hash marks to a waiting Tyler D in front of the crease who backhanded one in to put the Titans up 1-0. This would also earn Tyler G. the offensive player of the game. Dominic T. also had made a great move at center ice, and with quick feet had two steps on the Knights defense. With a flick of the wrist the biscuit had top shelf written all over it, but the Knights goalie managed to knock it down denying the young forward. Late in the third period Hoop grabbed the puck at the blue line and saw open ice. Like a man on a mission he was off like a jet only to be brought down at the Knights Blue line and awarded the Penalty shot. With all eyes on Larry he skated the puck up ice and found the back of the net making it 2-0. In the closing minutes the Knights would mount an attack like no other. They pulled their goalie and attacked the Titan zone with the extra skater. Sean Ryan made a fantastic save and would hold off the Knights giving him his first shutout of the season and a well deserved victory. When we caught up with Coach Jason he said, “The kids are really starting to move the puck around and have really come together as a team. Again our Defense did not get a break the entire game, and our Forwards are passing the puck more than ever. They work hard at both ends of the ice and I couldn’t ask for a better team to be coaching.
GO TITANS!!!!!

Holiday Hockey Weekend for the Mite C’s

The Titans Mites clashed with the Toms River Blackhawk’s for the first of a two game weekend at Winding River on 12/27. This game however was a bit different than the kids were accustomed to. The Blackhawk’s are a very young team and are in the development stage and like the Titan Mites C’s just a few months ago are still learning to play the game. For the game the coaches agreed to a mandatory shift change every minute and a half. Little did we know this would put a bit of a speed bump in our game. The kids started out very aggressive and controlled the puck in the Blackhawk’s zone. Nick B and Kyle N. were relentless in keeping the puck in the zone. The Titan Forwards kept the pressure on in front of the net, but throughout this game the Blackhawk’s goalie would come out on top. Tyler D would put the Titans on the board first assisted by Dominic T. The two forwards played a fantastic game and were really started to pass, and move the puck between one another. Later in the 2nd period the Blackhawk’s would score the equalizer and tie the game 1-1 with a breakaway goal. Throughout the second and third periods the Titans played a textbook heads up defensive game and it paid off. Forwards Richard K. Van F. and Michael O. would drive the puck up the boards leading to countless centering passes toward the crease, only to be met by the sound of the 1:30 signal for a shift change. Tyler G. would battle for the biscuit and make a great pass into the slot only to be stopped again by the signal for a shift change. Midway through the Third the Blackhawk’s caught the Titans off guard and had another breakaway giving them the go ahead goal making it 2-1. The Titans were not done yet, with the final 1:30 remaining the coaches pulled Sean R. the heart and soul of the team from between the pipes and put on a sixth skater. The kids were like rabid dogs fighting for the tying goal but in the end the Blackhawk’s pulled it out defeating the Titans 2-1. Later we asked Coach Jason his thoughts “These kids did everything we asked them to do, and I can’t think of anything I would have changed. We were short a defenseman today and our Defense played without a break. Our Forwards were aggressive and both Rich K. and Dominic T. had big breakaways, and if one of them had gotten one through it would have been a different ending. Coach Jason did leave us with one more comment “I don’t think I will be able to forget the sound of that 1:30 buzzer all weekend”.

The second game of the weekend was against the Old Bridge Knights at home on 12/28. The Titans started off very fast moving the puck up the ice and going right for the net. Very early in the 1st period Dominic T. put one past the goalie for his first of the regular season assisted by Tyler D. to put the Titans ahead. On their next shift it was deja vu. Again Dominic put one between the pipes assisted by Tyler D making it 2-0. Not 3 minutes later Van F. Assisted by Michael O. crashed the net and found his way past the goalie making it 3-0. Rich K. would also put the Knights back on their heels when he received a great breakout pass from the D. and narrowly missed the net by inches. Throughout the Second period the Titans would learn that it’s not over till it’s over. The Knights came out in the second period like a team on a mission and would score two unanswered goals and they were not about to stop there. The third period would be the most competitive game of Hockey we have seen all year. Back and forth the puck would go The Titans would attack only to rush back and defend the Knights counter attack. It was a back and forth war that neither team wanted to lose. Until late in the third Ryan Burns (Who came in as a special guest star appearance) would catch the Knights mid shift change, and bang one home making the score 4-2. The game was not over yet the Knights would mount a come back and with a few minutes remaining and without remorse took shots on goal from everywhere. Finally a puck flew in a redirected off a Titan skate making it 4-3. The Titans however, were not about to give up and would hold out for the win. Without saying the Titans would storm Sean Ryan to celebrate and thank him for an excellent day between the pipes. After the game Coach Rich was quoted “Our team is really coming along and without key defensive play from kids like Nick B. and Kyle N. we wouldn’t have the success we have been having”. See you next game and as always,
GO TITANS!!!!!

On Tuesday Jan 13th the Titan Mite C’s had a rare but very exciting opprotunity for a weekday game against the Brick Mite B team.. When the Titans took to the ice their was a noticable difference as to the size of the team. This is because the Titans were without their entire Defensive Line. Nick B and Michael O. were out due to injury (Sick and stayed home from school) and Larry H. was out due to contractual obligations (Greek school). The team had to make some changes as well as bring in a special guest star player Al (Big Al) Monteverdi. The game itself was filled with so many highlights and action that I couldn’t possibly give you a play by play rundown. Instead for this particular article I will give you an indivudual player accomplishment list.
Tyler G.    Not only did Tyler play is regular position at left wing he also filled in at Center and did a fantastic job at that. He was strong in the breakout and crashed the net like a man on a mission. He also came inches away from scoring his first goal of the season, almost stuffing the puck past the goalies pads.
Van F.   Van who usually plays left wing was also able to test the waters at Center as well as Defense. As always he played a very strong game at wing and played well at both ends of the ice at center. Van also earned another point tonight scoring his 3rd goal of the season. Even more impressive was the job he did at defense, with his incredible play at the blue line and great poke checks in the defensive zone.  HIs play at the blue line paid off when he slammed a shot from the point which was almost to much for the Brick goalie to handle.
Rich K.   Rich was very strong on the titan breakout tonight. Once he would get the puck he was off like a bolt of lightning down the right wing. He made some incredible centering passes from the boards and even made some great passes back to the D when nothing presented itself down deep. He also scored his 3rd goal of the season when he stalked the net and planted one between the pipes. Rich also had some close calls with his constant pressure on net and great shots from the slot.
Tyler D. Tyler  made his start tonight at defense and did a great job at the blue line keeping pucks in and even getting some shots off. He also played his regular position at right wing and took a shot as the centerman. Tyler was strong in winning pucks in the corners and along the boards, as well as making some great passes toward the crease for scoring opprotunities. Tyler also scored his 4th goal of the season tonight with his quick stick work in front of the net.
Dominic T.  Our Centerman with his soft hands and great skating had some great moves in the nuetral zone and in the O zone. He was tough on the boards and real play maker with his passing. He also made his debut tonight at defense were he had great anticipation and quick feet to deny everything Brick had to offer. Dominic also had his 3rd goal of the season tonight due to his constant pressure and persistant attack on net.
Kyle N.   Over the weekend Kyle found a new home at center, but tonight he would be a key factor to the Titans success at defense. Kyle moved the puck well the entire game and gaurded the Titan house like it was Fort Knox. He was aggresive in the O zone and made some phenominal shots from the point. Much of the Titans constant pressure was due to Kyles unrelenting play at the blue line. Clearing attempt after clearing attempt was denied as Kyle would drop the puck back into the zone for another go at goal.
Al M (Big Al)   At the start of the game Al looked like just another Mite on the ice, but when the puck dropped its was like Gordie Howe strapped the skates back on. Al started at center and within seconds put the Titans on the board, but he wasn’t done yet. Al managed to score a hat trick for the Titans and then play a vital role at defense. Big Al was great in the defensive zone and would win battles along the boards before Brick could get anything going on the offensive rush.
Sean R.  Can you say second shutout in a row? I know Sean can because that’s what he got against Brick tonight. When a coach is playing new players at defense there is always a sense of nervousness, but not when you have this guy between the pipes. Sean’s use of his stick tonight poke checking puck after puck, and his awesome saves was something that can only earn him the nick name of “The Puck Funnel”. There were so many close calls, but everytime Brick saw net Sean would make sure they only saw Titan Red.
In the end the Titans finished the game with a 7-0 victory and the perfect begining to a fun week of Hockey.
GO TITANS!!!!!

Over the weekend the Mite program invited family and friends to skate with the team and coaches with a celebration of the holiday’s with a team brunch afterwards upstairs. Everyone got to skate with their son on the ice which was really fun. We played a Dad’s vs. son’s game for roughly 45 minutes(for some Dad’s it felt like 45 hours). There were plenty of highlight’s in the game, but here were some that stood out. Rob “Rockstar” McCabe(Ryan’s Dad) almost passed out 2 minutes into the game because his helmet was to small. At one point it looked like his right eye ball would explode from the pressure. Pete Ottone(Michael’s Dad) made a perfect pass to the middle to Charlie “Irish” Mylod, who fanned at the pass so bad that George Haviland approached Charlie after the game and said, “you’ll never be a coach in the Titans organization”.  Phil “Tiny” Hallard couldn’t find a helmet to fit his watermelon of head , so he donned his old college football helmet from UMass for protection. Coach Jay had to scream “hut..hut..hike” in order for Phil to move his legs. He looked like a Trojan Horse out on the ice. We had to bring a chair out on the ice for Tom Lange to sit in for him to catch his breath, he almost fell down from exhaustion. We almost called the team nurse to check his vitals, rumor has it his heart rate reached 195 beats/minute from a 15 second shift. Miguel(Matt’s Dad), set the save record for the annual parents game , stopping 98 shots on goal.

There was Ian making Dan Burns(Ryans Dad),  Neil Hooper(Larry’s Dad) and Jaroslav Nestepny(Kyle’s Dad) look like Moe, Larry and Curly as he skated in between them with the puck up the ice. In the end, all involved had a great time on the ice as we helped celebrate the holidays for 2008.

Special thanks to Jill Corella for coordinating the after party upstairs. She went above and beyond the call of duty. We exchanged presents, feasted on bagels, donuts, coffee and tea and had plenty to laugh about over the parents game. Thanks a bunch Jill. Thanks to all the parents who contributed as well and to the Mite coaching staff for all their efforts as they coach and develop our kids on a weekly basis. We appreciate the time you volunteer to teach our kids and make the game fun. Happy Holidays to all of you!!! Go Titans!!!!