Two players from the New Jersey Junior Titans, U16 forwards Ryan Walker and Matt Kidney, have signed tenders with the Amarillo Bulls and the Port Huron Fighting Falcons, respectively, of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
These tender offers are great for the Junior Titans program and are just what head coach George Haviland was looking for when the Titans made the move to the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL).
“We joined the NAPHL three years ago to get some national exposure and for our players to move on to the next level,” he said in a Titans press release. “[The signings] shows us that we’re doing something right. It gives our players something to reach for.
“I cannot say enough about Matt and Ryan,” he continued. “With both players being lifelong Titans, our organization could not be prouder of the two. These tenders are just a testament to their hard work over the course of this season and their young careers.”
Walker, from Spotswood, and Kidney, from Middletown, have accounted for 169 points thus far in the Junior Titans’ 2013-14 season.
With both the NAPHL playoffs and Atlantic District playoffs on the horizon, these two young standouts will add to their totals. Walker entered 2014 atop two leagues in scoring. At home in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL), he has accumulated 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points in 19 games. In the NAPHL, he has already set a league record for points in a season, as he has 23 goals and 38 assists for
61 points in just 15 games. Kidney is not far behind with 19 goals and 11 assists for 30 points in 18 games in the AYHL, and 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in 14 games in the NAPHL.
Both Kidney and Walker were enjoying their New Year’s Day NHL Winter Classic celebrations when they received their phone calls. First, coach Michael Gershon of the Fighting Falcons called for Kidney. Just an hour or so later, coach Dennis Williams of the Bulls called for Walker.
Both players were ecstatic about the opportunity ahead.
“It is very exciting for me and my family after playing three years in the NAPHL to tender with an organization like Amarillo,” Walker said.
“My parents and I are very excited for this opportunity,” Kidney said. “With Port Huron being atop their division in the standings and sending more than 10 players to the NCAA last year, I could not be happier.”
The Junior Titans play their home games at Howell Ice World and Middletown Ice World.