The New Jersey Titans have announced that Tyler Antonucci will serve as the team captain for the 2017-18 season while Ryan Wheeler and Nick Yzaguirre will be named alternate captains.
Antonucci, a 20-year-old defenseman from Saddle Brook, NJ, played 48 games with the Titans last season and recorded five goals and 22 assists for a total of 27 points. It is the second year in a row that a defenseman has been given the honor of being named captain, as Will Riedell held the title last season. Antonucci credited him among others upon being given the letter.
“Being named the captain is a complete honor. I couldn’t be more excited to take this role for the team and lead them the right way. Last year, veterans like Will Riedell made me comfortable during my rookie season, and now I want to follow in their footsteps and lead this team in the right direction,” Antonucci said.
Head coach Craig Doremus said with a strong veteran presence on his team, Antonucci has shown to be a leader both on and off the ice.
“Tyler does everything the right way. He’s an extension of the coaching staff on and off the ice and he understands what it takes to get the job done on a day-in and day-out basis. Between his attention to detail, his maturity and the way he prepares himself and his peers, he is the face of the program that we want and I couldn’t be happier for him and his family,” he said.
Wheeler, a 20-year-old defenseman from Lancaster, NY, picked up 34 points in 57 games last season with the Titans and will serve as one of the alternates.
While Nick Yzaguirre only played six games for the Titans last season, he also served as captain for the Charlotte Rush and led the team to the USPHL championship. In his first full season with the Titans, he will serve as the other alternate captain.
The Titans will open their season tonight with a game at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to face the Knights and will return for their home opener on Saturday 7:30 p.m. at the Middletown Sports Complex.