MIDDLETOWN – Champions are made in practice.

This is the philosophy Sal Masi will bring with him when he takes the reins as a Head Coach of one of the New Jersey Jr. Titans’ Pee Wee teams for the 2018-19 season.

“We’re very excited to have Sal come aboard with us,” Titans Hockey Director George Haviland said. “This is a hockey professional with 25 years of coaching experience, as well as experience as a General Manager and Hockey Director. He’s a wealth of knowledge and knows what it takes to help develop a collection of skilled players into a championship team.”

Masi has spent much of his time behind the bench in the Garden State, most recently with the New Jersey Colonials, New Jersey Rockets and Bayonne Rangers organizations, as well as a six-year stint on the New York side of the Outerbridge Crossing with the New York Skating Pavilion, where he served as the rink’s General Manager and Hockey Director.

In that time, Masi has helped his various teams to great achievements, including two state championships and an International Silver Stick Regional title.

“The success Sal has had before joining our program speaks to his ability to not only develop young players and advance them up the organizational ladder, but also to develop them into a cohesive group of winning skaters,” Haviland added.

According to Masi, communication is key to his coaching process, and helps build strong players of character.

“As a coach, I believe honest communication goes a long with players,” Masi said. “Communication helps them prepare to play and lets them know what to expect their coaches and teammates.”

“When lines of communication are clear and open, it helps young skaters develop strong character, respect for their coaches and teammates, and discipline and responsibility to their role on the team,” Masi added.

Since the organization’s inception, the New Jersey Jr. Titans have stood as one of the premier developmental youth programs in the Atlantic District with over 75+ direct NCAA Division I commitments, 100+ direct Division II and III commitments and 250+ ACHA skaters, not to mention seven NCAA Division I women’s commitments in the last three years.

Tryouts for the 2018-19 season are coming quick.

For more information and to register email George Haviland at havs11@aol.com or visit www.jrtitansyouth.pointstreaksites.com/view/jrtitansyouth/titans-tryouts-2