Hockey / NAPHL Weekend Preview

NAPHL Weekend Preview

Date:  Source: New Jersey Jr. Titans Youth Hockey
Middletown, NJ — The Titans U18 and U16 teams will be flying out to Minnesota this weekend for the NAPHL’s final regular season games. Both teams are in the ​hunt for a playoff berth and with good showings can clinch a trip to the NAPHL playoffs in Troy, Michigan in February. 
 
The U18 team is going into the weekend on an eight-game winning streak in the NAPHL, and is currently in fifth place in the 19-team division. 
 
The 18's are led by top scorers in the league Alex Konovalov (NJ Titans NAHL Tender) and Connor Tartaglione, both of which are Top 10 point-producers in the U18 division. The Titans are led by two strong goaltenders in Ciaran McNelis​ (NJ Titans NAHL Affiliate)​ and Kyle Johnson (Bismarck Bobcats NAHL Tender). ​In addition to Konovalov and McNelis being NAHL tenders, the New Jersey Titans have affiliated forward Nic Lidondici and defenseman Eric Sherman. 
 
“This is an exciting weekend of hockey coming up for our program,” Junior Titans coach George Haviland said. “The 18's are looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs this weekend. They are playing some great hockey right now. We are coming into the weekend on an eight game winning streak in league play. The whole team is contributing and giving us the depth we are looking for to make a run in the post season.”
 
The U16 team heads into the weekend in 10th place within its 18-team division. With only the top eight teams advancing to the NAPHL playoffs, the 16s have some ground to make up heading into the final weekend. The Titans have called up several of their U15 players for the playoff push, including Daniyal Dzhaniyev, who is U15 NAPHL division scoring leader with 20 points on 12 goals and eight assists. Domenick Migliorato, Gio Crepaldi, Alex Ihnatenko and PJ Rivello are also being called up from the U15 program. 
 
“For the 16's I am very excited about the promotion of our U15 players getting​ to play at the U16 level this weekend​,” Haviland said. “Promoting our players is a big part of what we talk about within our organization and this is a prime example of trusting our process. These guys have worked so hard and have developed throughout the season. This is a great reward for these guys and an awesome opportunity. I know they will add a lot of value to our lineup this weekend." 
 
In addition to league play the NAPHL will be hosting its All-Star games at the U18 and U16 levels. The following Titans will be represented at their respective age levels.
 
U18 All-Stars: Alex Konovalov, Connor Tartaglione and Kyle Johnson; U16 All-Stars: Jeremy Ambrose and Max Schwarz. 
 
Congratulations to all of our players selected to play in this event!
 
All of the games are broadcasted live on HockeyTV. Don't miss any of the action! For more information, standings and schedules, you can visit naphl.com.