Middletown Ice World will bring top junior ice hockey talent to the area. The arena is partnering with the North American Hockey League (NAHL) to bring a Tier II Junior team to the area. The team will be called the New Jersey Junior Titans.
“It’s the best brand of hockey on the East Coast, unless you buy a ticket to a Devils or Rangers game,” arena owner George Haviland said.
When Haviland first heard that the NAHL, the only USA Hockeysanctioned junior league with 24 teams in 11 states, was looking to venture eastward from its Midwest roots, he built the Middletown Ice World with the idea of luring an NAHL team there. That’s why the arena seats more than 1,500 and includes luxury boxes.
Haviland’s forward thinking was rewarded last month when the NAHL awarded the Middletown arena a franchise.
“It’s exciting for us,” Haviland said.
He pointed out that this is very good news for young ice hockey players in New Jersey.
“This is a big, big move for kids in the East,” Haviland said. “It’s a huge opportunity not to leave home.”
According to Haviland, there are 100 players from the Atlantic Division who are playing elsewhere. Before the Titans, New Jersey players had no other option than to move far from home in pursuit of furthering their hockey careers in college.
Haviland’s long-term goal is to put a New Jersey stamp on the team.
“My goal, my mission, is to field a competitive team with New Jersey-based kids,” he said. “The end game is we want Jersey kids.
“There’s a lot of talent in New Jersey, and I’m going to find it.”
The Titans started by selecting nine players from the Garden State in the team’s first draft.
The NAHL has proved to be a steppingstone to college and the NHL. The players range from 18-20 years old. The league allows them to develop their skills and provides the opportunity to showcase those skills through tournaments and league play.
Haviland added that college coaches in the East are happy that they won’t have to travel far to see the top prospects play.
The New Jersey Junior Titans are good for the community, too, Haviland pointed out. “It’s an affordable entertainment opportunity — a family fun night with a lot of entertainment,” he said.
The possibility of getting a team in Middletown came about because the NAHL is looking to broaden its scope. The Titans were formerly the Soo Eagles of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They played in the league’s North Division but found themselves without opponents within a reasonable distance because the league was moving to other areas in the country, according to principal owner Ron Lavin. At a press conference announcing the Titans becoming a member of the NAHL, Lavin said he first became aware of the league interest in Middletown.
In January, he paid a visit to the arena and was quickly convinced it was the right move for his team.
“We are beyond thrilled,” he said. “We are walking into an incredible facility, a phenomenal situation. We’re taking on great partners.”
Lavin is looking forward to teaming with the Titans. “The Titans have a great history and new arena and sports complex to go with it,” he said in a prepared statement. “Their youth organization in the NAPHL and Tier III juniors players will make a great complement to our organization.
“Bringing the NAHL to New Jersey will introduce players and fans to a whole new experience and level of hockey.”
Lavin pointed out at the press conference how passionate he is about junior hockey and what it can mean for its players.
“I know what a college scholarship does for kids,” he said.
The Titans, whose head coach and general manager is Bruno Bragagnolo, have hit the ground running. In addition to the draft, the team has been holding tryout camps around the country, most recently at Howell Ice World.
The club will hold an open camp July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2 at the Middletown facility. From the 120-125 players, including nine from the Soo Eagles, who will be invited to the camp, the 30-player roster will be determined.
Those 30 players will return to Middletown Aug. 20 for the start of camp.
The NAHL season runs from mid-September through May, including the playoffs. The league plays a 56-game regular season and, factoring in games during the preseason, the Titans will play 30 home games.