Titans Draft Defense in First Round

Jun 7, 2016

MIDDLETOWN, New Jersey – The New Jersey Titans selected defensemen Rune Kirby and Spencer Stanley in the first round of the 2016 NAHL draft on Tuesday, June 7.

 

The Titans held the 16th overall pick, but also acquired the no. 9 pick from the Corpus Christi Ice Rays in exchange for the for the 64th, 75th, and 136th picks.

 

With the ninth overall pick, the Titans selected Kirby from Culver Military Academy Prep. Kirby, ’97, spent the past two seasons with Culver and registered eight goals and 13 assists for 21 career points.

 

“We are excited to add a player and person of Rune’s caliber with our first overall pick.  We believe Rune will be a tremendous addition to our blue line.  His ability to move pucks and defend will be an asset to our defense core.  We look forward to seeing Rune at main camp in July,” said general manager and head coach, Craig Doremus.

 

The five-foot-nine Ludington, MI. native enjoyed a career high in goals last season with five while collecting eight points in 32 games played.

 

“I'm thrilled to have been the Titans first round pick, excited to bring my work ethic and compete level to New Jersey. I could tell through the phone with coach [Bobby] DiRico that New Jersey will be a great place to develop. I am very grateful for the opportunity and excited to get out east and get to work,” said Kirby.

 

With the 16th overall pick, the Titans then selected Stanley from Detroit Little Caesars 18U. Stanley, ’98, skated in 23 games last season for Little Caesars and grabbed five goals and seven assists for 12 points.

 

“Stanley is the exact type of player we want on our back end.  He is a great kid who works extremely hard with a high upside.  Spencer had tremendous coaching last season and came highly recommended, we are excited to see him in a Titans’ uniform,” Ryan Cruthers, director of scouting said.

 

The six-foot South Lyon, MI product finished second in points among defensemen.

 

“I feel blessed and honored to be part of this great organization. I'm very excited and can't wait to be in New Jersey,” said Stanley.

 

The Titans will wrap up the day long event later tonight but make sure to follow the Titans on Twitter at @NAHLTitans for all breaking NAHL Draft news!

 

For more information about the Titans, head to njtitansnahl.com or call 732-856-9700 TODAY!