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.

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 !

Wall, NJ, Sun. Oct. 18 – The Renegades found their way to Gold Coast Arena for this morning’s hockey match against the Titans B Mites.  In the end, they found themselves caged by the home team, 13-5.

The boys were chomping at the bit during the pregame locker room speech.  The coaches wanted a big time effort.  Various players vowed 105, 110, even 120 percent.  In what proved to be a fortuitous declaration, Riley H opted for 150 percent.  He backed that up too with a five goal performance.

Brett N had a nice walk-in goal early in the first.  The team continued its strong penalty killing while Riley sat in the box for some aggressive play.  Although he wasn’t credited with the goal, Van F managed to tip one in off a shot from Matt F.  Riley atoned for his penalty by notching his first of the game.  Richard K drove home an amazing breakaway goal with Riley getting the assist.  Late in the period, Riley did his Denis Savard impression by burying a spinorama goal from the low circle.

The Renegades did occasionally spread their wings but the Titans D had their clipping shears ready.  Jake continued his heads up defensive play.  Will was seemingly everywhere on the ice.  Mike, Timmy and Dominic were all over loose pucks and opposition players.  And of course, Matt C stayed sharp.

The first period ended 5-2, with the Titans having a 14-2 shots advantage.

Van got things going in the second with a goal off a pass from Brett.  Mike F scored on an assist from Riley.  Riley managed another goal, while Matt F put in a couple to give the Titans a 10-4 lead at the end of two. 

Even with an excellent defensive performance from the Titans, the game had good flow.  Only Renegades player number 16 was having any offensive success.  Again the period ended with a 14-2 Titans shot advantage.

Titans netminder Matt The Crease Clearer had to make a big save early in the third.  That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game. 

Riley dialed up two more goals, both on assists from Mike.  Brett showed some defensive prowess, as did Mike, both putting on a backchecking clinic. Matt finished the scoring with Will getting the assist.

Late in the period, Tim was checked.  The ref must have been busy enjoying his Tim Horton’s because no  penalty was called. Suitably annoyed, Timmy decided to heed the late Fred Shero’s advice by driving to the net and arriving in ill-humor. He quickly got back on his feet, furiously took possession of the puck and managed a great wraparound chance that the opposition goalie somehow stopped.

The Titans Crease Clearer came up big with another save late.

The final shot total was 39-9, Titans.

Asked after the game what he had for breakfast, Riley said, “Waffles.”  Coach Rich was very pleased with the team’s play and demanded a repeat next weekend.  “Same game, same breakfast everybody!” added the coach.

No waffling here.  Just another great game from an awesome team.

Titans record 8-0-1

Oct 17, 2009

The Mite team of the NJ Titans took on the Old York Raiders today who are one of the stronger team in the Delaware Valley Hockey League.  The game saw quite a bit of back and forth hockey in the initial period, but soon thereafter the Titans got hot.  Matt F, Brett, and Tyler D put together 3 relatively quick goals to put the Titans up 3-0 after the first. 

Strong neutral zone play from Mike F, Dominic, Will, Jake, and Richard kept the Raiders shot total to a minimum and even when they could muster one, Matthew C was there to shut them down. 

The third period saw the Raiders scored early, but strong back checking by Timmy and company helped the undeafed Titans seal the victory.