The New Jersey Titans celebrated their home opener of the 2023-24 season with a victory over the Rochester Jr Americans in the first meeting between the two franchises.
Coming off a weekend split against the first place Generals, the Titans looked to make a statement early. While unable to generate any dangerous chances on a power play under a minute into the game, they were able to use their speed to build momentum. That speed was displayed as Ethan Wongus raced through the neutral zone before wiring a shot home from the top of the circle to give New Jersey a 1-0 lead at the 5:28 mark of the first period. The Titans continued to spend more time in the offensive zone, and Matej Teply doubled the lead for the home team at 15:46 with a wrister off the rush. For Teply, it was his first goal as a Titan since March 18th against Danbury. Wongus and Brian Robertson picked up the assists, and the Titans went to the locker room up by two.
Not content with allowing the Jr Americans to stay close on the scoreboard, Johnny McMahon scored off the opening faceoff of the second, scoring 12 seconds into the period. Logan Renkowski received the only assist, as both Renkowski and Teply have been point per game players since joining the team last week. A minute and 38 seconds later, it was Robertson converting on an exquisite passing play with Wongus and Dominik Bartecko to put the Titans up 4-0 through 22 minutes of play. While the Titans were unable to find the back of the net again in the period, they were stout defensively and again controlled play.
In the third, Kristofers Krumins scored in the first 5 minutes of the period to add the exclamation point for New Jersey. Rochester would get one back halfway through, spoiling the shutout bid by Titans’ goalie Dylan Krick, but that would be the only blemish on his record for the evening. With the win, New Jersey jumps over Rochester and Maine in the standings, into a tie for third with Johnstown. The Titans won’t have much time to rest, as the teams will get back to it tomorrow, Saturday, September 30th, with a scheduled faceoff at 7:00PM. Single game tickets can be purchased by clicking this link.
The New Jersey Titans, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are entering their ninth season at the Middletown Sports Complex in Middletown, NJ. The 2022 Robertson Cup National Champions, the Titans have made the playoffs in every season since their founding in 2015. Single game tickets are now on sale for the 2023-24 season home opener versus Rochester on September 29th. Season tickets are on sale here, and provide a discounted admission to attend every game at the Middletown Sports Complex. Follow the New Jersey Titans on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok today!