The New Jersey Titans visited the Rochester Jr. Americans for their first games in New York since the East Division Finals against the Jamestown Rebels in 2022. Like that playoff series, the Titans swept both games in the Empire State.
Friday night’s game saw New Jersey trail early, surrendering the first goal 90 seconds into the game. Johnny McMahon would tie the game halfway through the period on a wrist shot from the slot, for his 4th of the season. The Jr Americans retook the lead in the second, but took a multitude of penalties and the Titpians were able to convert on the ensuing power plays. First, it was Dominick Rivelli on a one timer to draw New Jersey level again, and Ethan Wongus gave the Titans the lead after poking home a rebound. Ryan Novo and Matt Henry added insurance markers in the third to give New Jersey the win. McMahon, Novo, and Wongus all recorded an assist in addition to their goals, and Zak Brice stopped 31 of 33 shots on goal.
Saturday night would see the Titans’ Nikita Meshcheryakov score in the first period to give New Jersey a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Dominik Bartecko made it 2-0 early in the second period, though Rochester would get one back minutes later. In the third, Bartecko would connect again for his second of the game and 5th of the season. Riley Fitzgerald scored his first as a Titan on an empty netter, and while a late goal dampened the mood, New Jersey secured their first back to back victories since the first weekend of the 2023-24 season. Fitzgerald and Meshcheryakov both recorded assists, and Dyland Krick turned aside 24 of 26 shots.
With the pair of victories, New Jersey takes the season series against the Jr. Americans three games to one. They also jumped over Rochester and Johnstown to move up into 5th place in the nine team East Division with a record of 8-8-0. Now, they prepare to host the Johnstown Tomahawks in the third meeting between the teams this year on Friday, October 27th at 7:30pm. The teams will face off again Saturday, October 28th, at 7:00pm. The Titans will Pink the Rink for breast cancer awareness, with all proceeds benefiting Breast Intentions, a local crisis intervention charity providing support for families dealing with breast cancer.
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. 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!