The New Jersey Titans have kicked off the 2017-18 campaign today as players and coaches have begun its preseason training camp at the Middletown Sports Complex.
It is the Titans’ third season in New Jersey and the second with head coach Craig Doremus at the helm. Last year, the Titans finished third in the East Division with a record of 34-22-1-3. They were also one game away from winning the East Division and advancing to the Robertson Cup semifinals after losing a five-game series against the Aston Rebels.
With the regular season fast-approaching, Doremus is confident that his squad can take that next step and finish atop of the East Division. That all starts, however, with a good training camp.
“It has been my belief that the quicker a group comes together and bonds for a common goal, the better your chance of success both long and short term,” Doremus said. “I know the entire staff is excited to finally get to work after having a bitter taste in our mouth all off-season.”
The camp features a combination of returning players from the 2016-17 season as well as players who made the squad from the Titans main camp last month.
After the players reported to Middletown yesterday, the camp kicked off the today with an introductory team meeting, followed by a combination of on-ice practicing and off-ice training.
Tuesday through Friday will feature a similar schedule but will also include team-building activities such as scavenger hunts and pool training in the Middletown Swim Club next to the arena. Doremus noted that the off-ice activities can be just as important for the players.
“We will focus on not only skill development and tactical training but most importantly family and trust,” he said. “Training camp is long and hard but at the same time fun. A group of strangers come together and will emerge as a new family.”
The first week of camp will conclude on Saturday with Titans Day, where fans, billet parents and members of both the NAHL squad and Junior Titans will enjoy a barbecue at the Middletown Sports Complex.
“Training camp is such a good time of the year. We’re excited about the next crop of athletes here in Middletown,” Doremus added. “We have a really deep, talented group of young men who are preparing for a long NAHL season.”
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