Among the various awards given out last week by the North American Hockey League, Tyler Antonucci was named the East Division Defenseman of the Year and was also named to the All East Division team.
Antonucci served as the team captain for the 2017-18 season and lead all Titans’ defensemen in scoring, notching 10 goals and 28 assists for 38 points. Playing all 60 games in the regular season, Antonucci proved to be reliable in his own end while serving as an offensive threat in both five-on-five and power play situations.
“Being named defenseman of the year in the East Division is a huge honor and one I am proud of, knowing I put my all into the season. I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for their support over the past two seasons,” Antonucci said upon receiving the award.
He also spoke about his growth and development with the Titans over the last two seasons.
“The beginning of last year was a struggle being in and out of the lineup, but understanding what I needed to improve on to be successful in this league helped shape me into the player I am today.”
Titans head coach Craig Doremus spoke about Antonucci’s progression with the team over the last two seasons and had nothing but praise for the two-way defenseman.
“This is the purest of examples of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Tyler was one of the first players we added when we took over the Titans. He struggled in the early part of his first junior hockey season and was in and out of the lineup. He never once complained or second guessed himself, got feedback from the coaching staff and put it to work.
“He worked tirelessly to become a regular in the lineup and then continued to rise and became one of our top offensive defenseman last year. He carried that mentality and drive through the offseason and was named captain of our team this past year. Tyler had a terrific final season with the team and we are so happy he was able to be recognized by the other coaches in the league for his tremendous work.
“Tyler, along with some other great alumni, has set the foundation in place for what we believe will be years of success on and off the ice for the New Jersey Titans’ franchise. I am excited to see what Tyler’s future is and I look forward to following him throughout his college career,” Doremus said.
The Titans organization would like to congratulate Tyler on his achievements with the team this season and wish him the best of luck as he advances his hockey career.
Photo credit: Chash Giovenco