Thanks to their reputation, the New Jersey Junior Titans 18U ice hockey team is one of just 16 programs from around the country participating in the North American Projects Hockey League (NAPHL). The 16 teams are spread out across the country from California to Ohio and New Jersey.
The league runs a series of showcase events that exposes its talented players to college scouts.
“There are 300 scouts there watching, especially college coaches. That’s why we do it,” Junior Titans head coach Randy Walker said.
Walker pointed out that the Titans are in the league because they have a respected program.
“To be part of the showcase, you have to be trusted to be competitive,” he said.
The Junior Titans, who now call Middletown Ice World their home rink, are certainly that, with league championships, tournament titles and USA Hockey Nationals medals to prove it.
Just as important as their play on the ice is what the Titans do in the classroom. It matters just as much, if not more. Coaches make sure their players are focused on their studies for a good reason.
“Colleges look at a player’s profile and see who can get in their school,” Walker said. “College coaches can’t get you in for scoring 50 goals.”
One of the reasons that the Junior Titans’ players have gotten the attention of colleges is because they’re good students, according to Walker.
“They’re attracting attention because of good grades,” he said. On the ice, the Junior Titans try to exploit their two strengths.
“Our team has a lot of speed, and our defense is very solid,” Walker said. “We’re built from the net out.”
Because the Titans have trusted goalies and defenders, they “can take chances,” and use their speed to get odd-man rushes and scoring chances.
Players on the Junior Titans 18U team are Ryan Price (Brick), Anthony Cusanelli (Holmdel), Zack Cote (Boston, Mass.), Brian Patterson (Fair Haven), Ryan Dunner (Glassboro), Chris Wuestneck (Holmdel), Billy Antonides (Freehold), Andrew Dicks (Colts Neck), Tim Gelatt (Middletown), Linder Kenyon (Yardley, Pa.), Dominic De La Guardia (Flower Mound, Texas), Charlie Singerhouse (West Windsor), Logan Fredericks (Allentown), Michael Ludwig (Point Pleasant), Nick Malvasi (Lincroft), Josh Herrera (Fuqay-Varina, N.C.), Scott Huber (Belford), Adam Friedman (Freehold), Joe Hacker (Fairless Hills, Pa.), Erik Layton (Chesterfield), Kevin Morello (Monroe), Drue Amato (Little Silver), Alan Feld (Marlboro) and Nikita Kinisovs (Riga, Latvia).
The New Jersey Junior Titans field 18 teams from all levels, from Mites up to 18U. The sport is gaining in popularity, and nowhere more than among girls. The Junior Titans have four all-girl teams.
“Girls hockey in general is taking off exponentially,” Walker said. “They like it, and their play is getting better.”
He noted that not long ago, the top girls would play with the boys. Now, their level of play is such that the program is able to field all-girl teams.