Three goals against in the second period would be just enough to prevent the New Jersey Titans from sweeping the weekend series versus the Northeast Generals on Saturday night, as the Titans fell by a score of 5-4.
Looking to avenge their defeat from last night, the Generals came out flying. They found the back of the net less than three minutes into the game, to take their first lead of the season over New Jersey. The Titans would answer back quickly, with Johnny McMahon putting home a pass from Dominik Bartecko to make the game even. Northeast wasn’t done, scoring another to retake the lead, but again New Jersey was able to respond. Ethan Wongus continued his early season breakout with his 4th of the season at the 16:12 mark. With the goal, Wongus has now equaled his output from last season in only seven games played. New Jersey outshot the Generals 14-6 in the period.
However, the Generals came out for the second period with the same aplomb, and this time, the Titans did not have a timely response. In a period where they were outshot 14-7, New Jersey surrendered three goals in a span of 4:23, giving the Generals a 3 goal lead going into the third.
Reece Brednich stepped up for the Titans, finding the back of the net 1:35 into the third to cut the deficit to two. Brednich would do it again on the power play halfway through the period for his second of the game and third of the season. Jack Hillier and Johnny McMahon would get the assists, but New Jersey’s offense could not find the equalizer before the final horn.
With the loss, the Titans are again .500 on the season, with a record of 4-4-0. Their 8 points have them in 6th place in the division. While it may still be early in the season, New Jersey’s veterans remember last year’s 0-6 start, and how difficult it was to try and dig out of that hole.
The team now turns its attention to their home opener on Friday, September 29th, as they face the Rochester Jr. Americans for the first time in franchise history. Rochester sits 1 point above the Titans in the standings with a record of 4-3-1. The first 500 fans through the door will receive a commemorative magnetic schedule for the season, and fans are encouraged to purchased tickets in advance via the Titans’ website, or by following this link.
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. Single game tickets are now on sale for the 2023-24 season home opener versus Rochester on September 29th. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and skip the line at the Middletown Sports Complex. Follow the New Jersey Titans on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok today!