Hockey Bantam ‘95 Preview

NJ Jr. Titans ’95s vs. Valley Forge Minutemen

Saturday Sept. 13, 2008 at WSA 11:00am

Welcome to the NJ Jr. Titans Bantam Minor home game. We want to build on the momentum created by our 15-1 drubbing of Suffolk PAL last Sunday. We play a very comfortable sytle here at WSA and we hope to continue it against Valley Forge this morning. It’s a big game for us – we want to even our League and District record at 1-1 before we host the perennially tough Long Island Royals tomorrow. Today’s opponent, the Minutemen know we took a beating last Saturday vs. the Jr. Flyers and they are chomping at the bit to secure a District road victory. The Minutemen are well-coached and have a quality team with plenty of speed and solid goaltending. Our boys will have their hands full – we expect a physical game today from the Minutemen.

The coaching staff felt we had a good week of practice – we benefitted from 2 solo practices due to the ‘94 trip to Syracuse. We were able to tighten up our Defensive Zone coverage thru our new favorite drill called the “Russian Paradox” (a staple of our Atlantic District training). We spent the bulk of our week doing “battle” drills and initiating contact – The coaching staff felt we played the Jr. Flyers too soft last weekend, especially their skill players. We have to get back to our Titan style of play this morning against Valley Forge – being home at WSA should help.

The friendly confines of WSA certainly helped us in our thrashing of Suffolk. Everyone contributed to the scoresheet. We received 8 goals from Defenseman – with that type of balance our offense can be dangerous. Our boys were very respectful (meaning no laughing or boisterous celebrations) so I simply didn’t hold them back. It was an absolute joy to watch their skill level and creative offensive production. I think Coach Vico is in for an awakening if he thinks that’s the type of game he’ll see every time he helps out on the bench…LOL

Your ’95s expect to make the most of our two home games this weekend. The boys continue to work hard – they’ve been impressive in their handling of Coach Walker’s intense style as he “barks” out orders during practice. This ‘95 group is a proud bunch and they want to compete and do well for you – we hope their hard work pays off with good results this weekend.

 

Hockey Night in NJ

NJ Jr. Titans U16 National vs. NJ Avalanche

Friday Sept. 12, 2008 at WSA 8:30pm

Welcome to the NJ Jr. Titans U16 version of “Friday Night Lights”. We’re hosting a very good NJ Avalanche team tonight as we look to avenge our 3-0 loss to them last Saturday night. We have prepared hard this week at practice to turn the tables on them and claim our first League victory of the season. The Avalanche have started the season 1-2 with losses to both the NJ Colonials and the Philadelphia Little Flyers. They boast most of the top ’93s in the Atlantic District Development Program and they clearly benefit from one of the District’s top coaches, JJ Picnic – who was himself one of the top District players in his day with the Ramapo Saints before his career at Providence College.

Your NJ Titans U16s have hit an 0-3 bump to start their Regular season after a 2-3 tournament record Labor Day Weekend. We’re still feeling the sting of Evan Hughes’ injury (broken collarbone) and this week’s defection of another forward to an independent Jr. B team. The coaching staff is looking to the leadership core of the team to embrace a foxhole mentality as we attempt to shake off the early season rust. The coaching staff has sensed that the players confidence is a little fragile at this early stage of the Regular season and has taken steps this week in practice to instill a focus on short term improvement. This week’s practice emphasis was correcting flaws in our Defensive zone coverage and implementing details of our in-zone Power Play system.

Another busy weekend is ahead for the U16s – The Avalanche tonight, then two tough road games at the NJ Colonials (Saturday) and the Little Flyers (Sunday). Coach Walker and Coach Berzolla continue to be impressed with the team’s work ethic and commitment to learning – we constantly reinforce the need for accountability to your teammates and the importance of believing in each other. It’s been a challenge so far given the early season losses we’ve experienced, but we believe we can turn our record around quickly with some more hard work. We expect our boys to bounce back with three solid efforts this weekend and we have no doubt our record will soon reflect the team’s work ethic.

The key to tonight’s game is a strong forecheck in order to create offensive chances. Our skilled players will need to focus on taking quality shots rather than making the “extra” pass. We have the speed to match the Avalanche, we’ll have to contain their quick forwards down low in order to counter-attack in transition. Special teams will certainly factor into tonight’s game which usually happens when two rivals play twice within the same week. Expect to see a motivated, gritty squad this evening.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

 

NJ Jr. Titans ’95s vs. Suffolk PAL Sunday Sept. 7, 2008 at WSA 2:15pm

Welcome to the NJ Jr. Titans Bantam Minor home opener. We kick-off the 2008-2009 season with a non-League game versus our nemesis from Long Island – Suffolk PAL. Expect both Suffolk and the Jr.Titans to establish a physical game which should carry over to their regular season match-ups. Your Jr. Titans are fresh of a stinging 5-1 loss to the Jr. Flyers yesterday in West Chester, PA. The coaching staff is looking for these young men to bounce back today with a solid effort in front of our home crowd. The boys are anxious to get back to the winning atmosphere created at the Mass. Outlaws tournament two weeks ago.

Our 4-game “ho-hum” pre-season tournament in Marlboro,MA turned into a grueling six-game experience culminating in a Silver medal by our under-manned squad. We split Day one of the tournament – soundly beating the GBL Bruins and losing to the improved Dual State Huskies. Day two saw us sweep our remaining round robin games setting up a re-match with the Dual State Huskies on Sunday morning. Your ‘95 Jr. Titans totally dominated the Dual State Huskies in the semi-final jumping out to a 3-0 lead, then hanging on for a 4-2 win. Fatigue finally caught up to our boys in the Finals as we fell to our in-state League rival Mercer Chiefs 3-1. It was nothing short of a valiant effort by our boys as we finished the tournament with only eleven players (including Ryan Strapp who was sick all weekend but still played well). Our veteran defense was outstanding all weekend, obviously aided by timely goals from our 7 forwards. Of course, our berth in the Finals could not have been possible without solid goaltending from George Blinick and Chris D’Alessio.

Turning to yesterday’s League opening 5-1 loss, the coaching staff chooses to believe it was an aberration. After the first 6-7 minutes we just looked out-of-sync in our own zone. The boys seemed mesmerized by the speed of the Jr. Flyers and we blew Defensive zone coverages on the 2nd and 3rd goals. These types of defensive zone breakdowns were not evident in Marlboro nor in any of the system practices so far. The boys are aware of the cause of the breakdowns and are committed to correcting these coverages this afternoon. Coach Walker and Coach Haviland have been impressed with the team’s work ethic and commitment to learning the details of our systems. The coaching staff has asked this year’s team (and specifically our veteran leadership group) to conform to a strict set of concepts and take on additional responsibility outside their comfort zone. This ‘95 group is still getting used to Coach Walker’s gruff style and demand for accountability to each other – the coaching staff has no doubt our ’95s are on the right path of progression – we look for this elite group to contribute to our Bantam & Midget programs for years to come.

Your ’95s expect to close out the weekend with a solid home effort. We’ll then get back to school and practice as we prepare for next weekend’s busy schedule. Expect to see a motivated, gritty squad this afternoon.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

 

HOCKEY AFTERNOON IN NEW JERSEY

NJ Jr. Titans U16 National vs. NJ Devils

 

Saturday Sept. 6, 2008 at WSA 11:45am

 

 

Welcome to the NJ Jr. Titans U16 home opener.  The 2008-2009 season begins with the renewal of our in-state rivalry with the NJ Devils.  Both teams are looking to jump start their season with an important win.  In years past, the Jr. Titans opening home weekend was spent playing non-League teams as we would try to “ease” into the regular season.  Those days are long gone – many teams like us and the Devils front-load their schedules in order to maximize the use of our respective High School hockey players.  Hence, the intense schedule of two League games today (our U16s travel to Hackensack later today at 5:30pm to take on the Avalanche) and  another one on the road tomorrow.

 

Both the Devils and the Jr. Titans are fresh off a 5-game pre-season tournament in Marlboro,MA over the Labor Day Weekend. We expect a spirited game this afternoon as both teams attempt to set the tone for our weekend home-and-home series. The Devils are well coached by Atlantic District veteran John DiNorcia and his experience staff of Tom Van Doren and Greg Wright.  The Devils are led by perennial AYHL all-star Devon Duarte and former Jr. Titan David Mosier, not to mention outstanding players like James Trenkle, Kevin Brennan and Andrew Pascal.  The Devils boast a solid goaltending tandem of Alex Durso and Peter Guerriera.

 

Our Jr. Titans U16s are excited to perform for you this afternoon. Today is a great opportunity for our boys to showcase their talent in front of all the Junior B GMs and coaches in the building for the Junior tournament.  Coach Walker and Coach Berzolla have been impressed with the team’s work ethic and commitment to learning the details of our systems.  The coaching staff has asked this year’s team to conform to a strict set of concepts that have been the cornerstone of the Jr. Titans Midget Program over the past 5 seasons. This U16 group is a talented collection of dedicated players who strive to play at the Junior level next season with an ultimate goal of contributing at the College hockey level.

 

The Jr. Titans U16s came home from Boston with a respectable 2-3 record.  After an inauspicious start due to a 9-1 drubbing at the hands of the LI Gulls, and a hard fought 3-2 loss to the 495 Stars – the U16s rebounded with two strong wins: 6-0 vs. the West Seneca Wings and a convincing 4-1 win over the NH Monarchs.  At 2-2 our tournament goal of playing a meaningful 5th game was met.  We faced off last Sunday night against the NV River Rats and lost an intense 4-2 game to knock us out of the tournament.  Despite leading 2-1 with 11 minutes to play, we couldn’t hang on against the more desperate River rats and we were ultimately done in by some questionable officiating and poor puck decisions. 

 

The boys were back to school and back to the practice rink to make the necessary adjustments for todays game and this weekend’s packed schedule.  Expect to see a motivated, gritty squad this afternoon. 

 

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

 

Number           Player Name           Birthyear    Height/Weight                School

2                      Steven Spinelli       ‘92             5′10″ 150lbs        SJV

3                      Anthony Lobianco  92             5′11″ 150lbs        Brick Memorial

7                      Marc Raziano        ‘92             6′0″ 185lbs          West Windsor

11                    David Ramos         ‘92             6′1″ 175lbs          Howell H.S.

14                    Patrick Dwyer       ‘93              5′6″ 150lbs          Red Bank Catholic

15                    Thomas Lindquist   ‘92             5′9″ 150lbs          Brick Memorial

17                    Evan Hughes          ‘92             6′1″ 175lbs          Ridge H.S.

19                    Robert Fisher         ‘93             5′9″ 150lbs          SJV

21                    Michael Durelli       ‘92              5′11″ 165lbs        B. Eustace

22                    Mark Powell          ‘92              5′7″ 150lbs          Red Bank Catholic

25                    Rick VanBlarcom  ’92              5′9″ 150lbs          Allentown H.S.

27                    Thomas Carlucci    ‘92              5′9″ 150lbs          CBA

29                    Brandon Worrall    ‘92              6′2″ 180lbs          West Windsor

30                    Peter Stamberger   ‘92              6′1″ 185lbs          Pt. Pleasant Boro

37                    Anthony Carvagno’93               5′9″ 155lbs          Toms River North

39                    Alex Strauss           ‘92             5′10″ 150lbs        CBA

77                    Vincent Stagliano  ‘92               5′11″ 160lbs        Wall H.S.

91                    Nick Kamberogiannis ‘92         5′9″ 150lbs         CBA

 

94s, 95s very Competitive at One hockey

At One Hockey this week, the Team NJ Bantam 94 and 95 teams comprised mostly of Titans met some challenging competition from all over the world. The 95s are 2-2 beating PA and Mass teams, but falling to Germany 6-2 and getting shut out by an incredible LA Select squad who have scored 26 goals and given up none for the tournament.

Michael Ludwig and Chris Miller stared in the 5-2 win over PA with George Blinick making 16 saves in the win. Their other victory was a 6-3 victory over Team Mass. Stephen East took the first star for 11 saves. Connor Grogan had a hat trick and took the 3rd star.

After dropping game 1 to a great Minnesota squad, the 94s have won 3 straight. In their second contest, they rolled over last year’s champs, the US All Stars 5-2 with great goaltending by Anthony Stolarz and 4 second period goals by Alex Soviero, Justin Canzano, Nick Sapporito, and Tom Caccia, who added another in the 3rd. They followed that with a win against Team Pennsylvania 6-2. Billy Regan started the scoring, followed by a shorthanded goal by Caccia, then Dan O’Keefe. Matt Martin and Soviero added 2nd period goals and Michael Kochenash finished up the scoring. Dan O’Keefe and Brandon Paletto were named stars of the game for the Titans. They also beat team Maryland 1-0 and now await the playoffs. Good luck to both teams.

 

One Hockey Tornament Underway

One Hockey’s 5th annual tournament brings plenty of high quality action to the Philadelphia area.  Starting on Wednesday, the Titan 96 team and the Titan 97 team have been in action against teams of all-stars representing states and countries.  This AAA tournament was expected to be a huge challenge for many of the 96’s and 97’s, some of whom have never played at this level.  The tournament is unique in that many of the all-star teams assembled for the tournament are coached by NHL players and former players.  Others are nationally known club teams, like the LA Selects.  As the action moves to next week, the Bantam and Midget players will see the Eisbareren Jr.s from Berlin Germany as well as a Ukraine team, Alberta Canada and 2 Ontario clubs.  These games will be attended by NHL, Junior and College scouts.

The 97s got off to a good start, jumping out to a 3-2 first period lead in their opener vs. the Maryland All Stars at Iceworks.  Cody Ligouri from Jessica Haviland broke the ice at 12:41 of the first.  Maryland answered with 2 goals midway through the first stanza, but with 3:29 left Max Webber from Jared Perskin knocked one in, and again at 1:11, Max again, this time from Anthony Minerva who would be named 2nd star of the game.

The second period played even, with Cody scoring his second goal from Max and Minerva.  Maryland pressed hard in the 3rd, and scored 3 unanswered goals to take a 2 goal edge 7-5.  The Titans did not quit.  With 41 seconds left and an empty net, Cody and Max hooked up again to bring the Titans within 1.  Still skating with 6 on 5, the Titans could not get another home and Maryland closed it out with an empty netter as time ran out. 

Their second game was not so evenly matched as they fell to Team PA (07s champs) 11-3  Max Webber was noted as 2nd star of the game and scored 2 of the Titan goals.  Anthony Minerva assisted on the first goal.  Jared Perskin added a goal in the 3rd from Lenny Coviello.  Next up is a mixed Canadian US all-star team.  Good Luck Titans.

The ‘96 team also had a good start to the tourney.  In their first match against one of the NHL coached squads representing the USA saw the Titans drop an 8-6 opener Wednesday.  Our team comprised of mostly AA players fought hard.  Austin Treubert and Chris McDermott assisted Owen Herrington for their first goal.  Austin Treubert and Owen combined on a Powerplay goal a few minutes later to knot the score at 2.  In a wild 3rd defense went out the door.  The Titans scored 4 goals but could not catch theses all-stars.  Ryan Price added an unassisted goal, followed by a Tyler Harlow from Austin Treubert score 2 minutes later.  Then Chris McDermott, and finally Austin Treubert from Chris McDermott to finish out the scoring.  Zach Burkhardt took the 2nd star for his 17 saves.

The next game was all Titans.  Against Team Maryland it was a Shutout for Mike Cosentino who took the first start of the game for his 27 saves.  Tyler Harlow was the 3rd star for his 2 goals and great defensive play.  Billy Antonides also got on the board twice with the Titan second period goals, one from Tim Gelatt who had 2 assists and one from Owen Herrington and Chris McDermott.

The Thursday PM game was a tough outing where team PA (Little Flyers AAA), pounded the Titans with 39 shots.  The Titans did mount some offense, posting 23 shots on net, but goalie Timmy Brown stopped them all.  The action continues today, follow it all on www.onehockey.com, or check back here for updates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Titans set to invade central Mass Outlaws Tournament

The following Jr Titans Teams will do battle in the Mass Outlaws Classic Tournament. Sqiurt Minor (99 aaa) Squirt Major (98 aaa) Peewee Minor (97aaa) Peewee Major (96 aa) Bantam Minor (95 aaa) over August 22, 23, 24 in Marlbough Mass. @ the New England Sports Center.  The Titan Club has many championship notched in their belt at this pre-season tournament and this year should be no different!!

The next weekend the Bantam Majors (94) u16 93/92 National will battle in the Mass Selects Tournaments. The u18 team and u16 American team have been placed on their waiting list.

 

Titan Uniform Order has been Placed

We have completed the uniform order and placed it already.  Any one who did not get their order in should contact Joanne ASAP at joanne@wallsportsarena.com. Don’t panic if you did not get your order in I can get your order added. The uniforms will arrive on July 25 and then will go out to get the patches and numbering done. We are expecting completed uniforms by August 15.  The cost for the complete uniform package is $340. Make payment to the Jr. Titans. We order new socks for every one whether you order them or not.

 

Titan summer practices begin

Here is a little update for our Titan families:

Titan summer practices begin:

Well hockey season as begun in Titan land. If you are a Jr. Titan youth player our program has begun. We are 2 weeks into the summer on-ice practices and the staff and I have been very impressed with the turn out and the hard work being done by all players. Here is the message I sent to all coaches

“Coaches, the New Jersey Jr. Titans will start their youth practices this week. All staff is expected to attend as many of the on ice practice sessions they can. Packages were handed out at the last meeting including summer practice schedule, camp schedule, rosters.  We also discussed the fall practice/game schedule; remember all managers have to be approved by me.

To prepare for the season each youth Titan player has the benefit of ice time for them starting with 7hrs of skill sessions, plus their days of camp in July and august (6-8hrs)  then the twice a week  practices starting week of August 11. (Their camps are 3 days this year because we will also have a Titan only Robby Glanz camp in October which is included in the tuition.) Our players will have a total 22-25 hrs of ice while most clubs have few or no summer hrs.   We have plenty of ice time to improve them.  All coaches need to push all players to work their hardest. All coaches need to get involved with each and every player when they’re making mistakes. There should be a lot of coaching going on as the player/ coach ratios should be great. That enables all coaches to be involved.  Our Titan players should be conditioned and skilled enough for every team to start to implement the system by end of summer.  We will be ready to discuss the offensive and defensive systems at our next meeting; it is going to be focused on coaching.

All coaches should be encouraging their players to get involved with Maximum Performance dry land training  program run by John Sabo. It is a great program and John does great job with the players!!!  They have all received John’s program letter.

Summer sessions  on ice agenda  –we will only work on skills, skills, skills, 3 groups  3 zone breakdown.

One end blue line in– 2 nets   shots— slap, snap, backhands, one timers,   be creative add passing, goalies move 2-0,  tip ins, deflections,  one timers,   backhands

middle zone puck control zone– small area protection ,move skating with puck –passing all types

other end zone blue line in— skating—power skating— quick starts,  inside/outside edge control,  turns, stops  strides forward backwards etc.

Coaches    every group will get 15/17 minutes  then rotate groups
coaches each week you should rotate ends as well   weekly you have 10/12 minute warm up /power skating skating/ strength development.”

George Haviland
Director of Hockey Operations
New Jersey Jr. Titans

 

Titan teams make it to Monday at Memorial Day Tournaments

The Junior Titans sent 6 teams to different tournaments over the Memorial Day weekend.  Three went to the Philly shoot out in Ice-line for the AAA Division and 3 went to Aston AA tournament. Our 95 Titans went to finalist the Philly shoot out only to lose to the Conn. Yankees 5-4.  Our bantam AA team went to the semis at Aston and lost to AC sharks and our Titan squirts went to finals at Aston and lost to team Philadelphia. This was a great weekend of hockey saw great competition all weekend at all levels. I was there had a chance to coach all our guys they play spirited hockey for this time of the year. Our next tournament is “OneHockey” starting at the end of June. We will be fielding teams at 99, 97, 96, 95, 94, 92 levels.

95 Titans play in finals at Philly shoot out

The 95s started the Philly shoot out looking to win the whole tourney. Coach Clifton had the guys ready and fully understanding the goal was to win the tournament. The boys started with a 3-2 win over Valley Forge selects with Matt Marabeti leading the charge with a goal and asst.  Goaltending was good from both George Blinick and Thomas Weidman.  In the second game we lost to the Conn. Yankees 5-4.  Great game had lead blew a 2 goal lead in middle of second and could not recover. The 3rd game saw us rebound strongly and beat the Long Island selects 14-0.   Marabeti had a 3 point game as well Conner Clifton had a pair of goals. So we were set for Monday’s cross over. Coach Clifton and coach Havilland met to discuss the plan on how to beat the rival Jr. Flyers and the plan worked. We won 2-1. Conner Clifton scored a huge unassisted goal to tie the game in third period and the winning goal was scored by Anthony Deangelo.  So the stage was set for the Titans to get even with their lost against the Conn. Yankees in the finals. It was a great game with a lot of hard hitting and great goaltending by both goalies in the end Titans lost 5-4 to Yankees.  The Titans where lead on Monday by Zach Diamontoni having a 3 point after noon. George Blinick was outstanding in goal. Both coach Haviland and coach Clifton were disappointed with the outcome but pleased with the effort the Titans showed. We will re-focus the players for the next challenge One Hockey.  The schedule there is unbelievable Germany, California, Ohio, yes I said Germany oh boy!

 

Great showing as Titan Squirts play in finals in Aston

There is a saying in hockey “less is more” oh boy this so true for the group of Titan Squirt players. We played all weekend with 9 skaters and 2 goalies. We won the first game 6-2 newcomer Cody Ligori posted 2 goals in this game while Steven Saporito was outstanding getting 3 points in the game as well as Corey Clifton and James Marabeti played well against the Reston raiders.  Our second game was won 7-4.  Colin Hurley and Zach Turcotee had huge games.  “I was most impressed with the play of those 2 guys all weekend”, Coach Haviland was heard saying in the third.  The 3rd game was an 8-5 win. Trevor Cear and Alex Phillipps lead the way providing a lot of offense and great defense vs. the Staten Island Rangers.  In the semis we played the Ashburn express from Virginia new comer Noah Maikisch was awesome in goal and we prevailed to win a nail biter. The finals saw Spencer Rue give us a chance to come back as he made a number of saves to keep the score close. We where down 5-2.  With 9 minutes to go in the 3rd period Coach Haviland called a time out and told the boys “You have 2 choices.  You can pack it in and go home now and be happy with the weekend or we can fight back like Titans and go for it.”  We went for it and scored 2 goals in 4 minutes to pull it within one goal.  With our net empty we had a number of chances but could not get the tying goal. Coach Haviland was very happy with the great effort showed by the boys this weekend.