The New Jersey Titans are pleased to announce that Spencer Stanley has been named captain, while Eric Manoukian, Ryan Naumovski and Brody Medeiros have been named the assistant captains.
“I’m really excited about the four guys in charge, credit to them for all the hard work they have put in to get to this point,” said Titans head coach Craig Doremus, who made his decisions as the team approaches the holiday break and midway point of the season.
Stanley, a South Lyon, Mich. native, has two goals and 10 assists in 30 games with the Titans this season. He is in his third year with the team and has played 129 games in that span, and has consistently proven to be a force on the Titans’ blue line.
“Spencer goes about the game like a consummate pro. He prepares himself the right way, mentally and physically every day. Whether it’s practice or a game he always puts his best foot forward, and it makes a lot of sense for him to be the leader and voice of our room,” Doremus said. “The guys look up to him and respect him, and ultimately his leadership is the best way for us moving forward.”
Manoukian is in his second season with the Titans. In 77 career games, the Manalapan, N.J. native has six goals and 22 assists and has served as a power play specialist. Doremus spoke about Manoukian, and his tendency to be a more vocal leader in the locker room.
“Eric has really stepped up in year two with the Titans. He is never afraid to speak up and say the right things to get the team back on track or get them going. I think for him, he’s continued to grow as he gains confidence both on the ice and in the locker room,” he said.
Naumovski, the lone forward of the group, is also in his second season with the Titans. He is currently the team’s leading goal scorer with 11 goals and 24 assists this season, while recording 83 points in 84 career games in New Jersey. Doremus talked about the Niagara commit and how his game has grown over the last year and a half.
“Ryan has established himself as a dominant player in this league for the past 12 to 18 months. Since day one he has really taken pride in what our sweater is about and what our organization and franchise stands for,” he said. “He pushes his teammates to the best of their ability. He always wants to see everyone do their best and gets the maximum effort out of them.”
Medeiros, unlike the other players selected, is in his first year with the team. In 31 games this season, the Littleton, CO native has one goal and five assists. Doremus noted that the 19-year-old defender has shown plenty of leadership traits even as a rookie in the NAHL.
“Brody has stepped in right away and has assimilated and fit so well into our culture and program. He brings such a cerebral and professional approach to our organization,” Doremus said. “For him it’s a great opportunity to work with these guys and learn a little bit from them. We expect him to be a leader here for a long time.”
The captain and alternates were announced earlier this week and will serve their roles for the remainder of the season, including the upcoming series against the Northeast Generals. Puck drop for Friday night’s contest is 7:45 p.m. at Middletown Sports Complex and will be streamed on hockeytv.com.
Photo Credit: Pete MacDonald (@PMacDonald51)