CRAIG DOREMUS TO BE NEW TITANS HEAD COACH AND GM

May 16, 2016

Middletown, NJ – Craig Doremus will immediately take over as Coach and GM of the New Jersey NAHL team as the Titans prepare for their second season in the NAHL.

“I want to thank Mr.Lavin, Mr. Haviland and the entire New Jersey Titans’ organization for welcoming me. I have a lot of respect for the Titans at the North American League level as well their Junior Titans youth program. I look forward to joining the organization and helping create the best possible hockey experience for hockey players of all ages.”

“I would be remiss not to thank Rich McKenna and his staff for all their hard work in the inaugural season on the east coast and wish them nothing but the best. With my assistant Bobby DiRico, we are already at work and look forward to hitting the ice in August with our returners, and those we discover through our tryouts this summer.”

“The North American League is a great opportunity for our players and fans and we look forward to continuing to build on our very successful first year in New Jersey.  We expect to build a winning and professional culture for our players and fans alike. The Middletown Ice Center is a fun and exciting destination for everyone and we hope to build on that. We are excited to be a part of Titans Nation!”

Ron Lavin, NAHL Titans owner said, "Craig deserves this opportunity. He has shown an ability to recruit and develop talent and place players in the NCAA. With the quality of player we have in the NAHL, Craig will find tremendous success in getting our players to college."

A native of Maspeth, NY, Craig has over 28 years of hockey experience and is a level 5 USA Hockey certified coach.  Before joining the New Jersey Titans, Craig spent the previous three seasons with the Long Island Gulls' and New York Bobcats' hockey organization. 

During his time there Craig served as a hockey director for the Gulls.  He spent his last season and a half as the Head Coach of the EHL’s New York Bobcats while also serving as the team’s General Manager.

Craig was the Head Coach of the Metro Moose (MET League) Junior hockey team for five seasons after serving as an Assistant Coach for one season.  In Craig's five seasons with the Moose, the team qualified for USA Hockey Nationals three times and captured two CHA league championships. 

Craig's prior coaching experience includes roles such as the Assistant Coach at Christ the King High School, as well as the Assistant Coach for the New York City Empire State team, where he worked under current Hartford Wolfpack Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager, Pat Boller. Craig currently is a coach and scout for Hockey Essentials. 

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Craig played at Christ the King where he served as team captain his junior and senior year.  A graduate of St. Johns University, Craig has also worked for the New York Rangers where he began in the marketing and youth hockey departments.

Craig, his wife Andrea and their son Griffin reside in Middle Village, New York.

Queens native Bobby DiRico’s extensive coaching includes numerous over 15 years of hockey experience and Level 4 USA Hockey certification. Before joining the New Jersey Titans, Bobby spent the previous three seasons with the Long Island Gulls as video coordinator and New York Bobcats as assistant coach and assistant general manager.

Bobby was a Video Consultant for the St. Louis Blues and Hockey Essentials, along with Assistant/Video Coach of the Metro Moose Junior B team. In Bobby’s five seasons with the Moose, the team qualified for USA Hockey Nationals three times and captured two CHA league championships.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Bobby played at Holy Cross where he served as assistant captain his junior and senior year. Bobby is a graduate of St. Johns University with a degree in Sports Management.

Bobby and his wife Tara resides in Astoria, New York.

“First I would like to start off by thanking the New Jersey Titans organization for this opportunity and welcoming Craig and I. I would also like to thank Rich McKenna and his staff for their hard work and congratulate them on a wonderful season. I am very excited and eager to begin this next step in my coaching career in the North American Hockey League. We look forward to helping each young man not only become a better hockey player but well-rounded member of society. I look forward to working with not only NAHL players but all Titans club members and truly creating a Titans nation. We anticipate a successful, exciting and fun first season!”

The NAHL is the only TII Junior Hockey League in the USA with 25 teams from Massachusetts to Alaska. More uncommitted players find an NCAA opportunity than in any other junior league. Players do not pay hockey tuition to play on NAHL teams but are responsible for their living expenses with Host families.

Call 917-579-0046 or e-mail Craig.Doremus@jrtitans.com for further information.