The Titan U16 National and Coach George Haviland, after a testing NAPHL Playoff Round in Troy, Michigan came back to a tense weekend, waiting to see if the Philadelphia Jr Flyers would be able to assist them in their AMHL District Playoff Drive. Thankfully, the Flyers obliged, knocking off the Avalanche and setting up the Titans against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jr Knights American Team in the U16 District Play-In Game.
Usually, you don’t get second chances, but when you get them, you usually only get them one time. If you get a shot at victory the second time, you have to be sure you take it. That was certainly what the Titans did, as they rolled the Jr Knights in the AMHL District Play-In Game last night at Flyers Skate Zone in Northeast Philadelphia. On the strength of a four goal first period, the Titans put the game out of reach early. First period goals were notched by Anthony Cusanelli from Scott Huber, Ryan Walker from Mike Gelatt, JT Tarantino from Tim Gelatt and Walker, and Jeff Morgan from Brad Becker. The Titans were dominant in the first outshooting the Knights 16-3. Greg Malafronte was able to notch a second period goal from Cusanelli, while the Jr Knights got one back for a 5-1 margin going into the third. In the third, Malafronte struck again from Charlie Singerhouse, while Singerhouse cashed in late from Cusanelli. Scranton got one more back for a final score of 7-2. Mike Cernero made 8 saves in net as the Titans outshot the Knights 38-10.
“We have a tune up game tomorrow at 12:30 PM against the Princeton Tigers U18 AA team, and we are ready to go. We are looking for leadership from veterans like Tim Gelatt, as well as Mike Cernero to give the team a chance in net, and guys like Anthony Cusanelli and Ryan Walker to carry the team offensively in my 5th straight year out of 5 years at the Midget level in Districts, “ commented Coach Haviland.
The Schedule for the upcoming District Qualifier Weekend which takes place from March 8th-10th at the Revolution Ice Centre in Pittston, PA is as follows:
Friday, March 8th: 8:00 PM vs. Team Comcast
Saturday, March 9th: 4:45 PM vs. NJ Rockets
Sunday, March 10th: 2:15 PM vs. Philadelphia Little Flyers