By Michael Battista / @MichaelB_96

This Saturday, The College of New Jersey hockey team will be honoring five of its senior members before the team plays its final home game of the regular season. Team Captain Marc Tietjen, Alternate Captain Kris Hastings, and Alternate Captain Ryan Anderson have played a combined decade for the college while student managers Cassidy Mansmann & Kirk Phillips have helped oversee the team through multiple championship seasons.

These Lions will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the team prior to the game against the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) on Saturday, February 1.

Marc Teitjen has been a Lion all four years of his college career and has grown into one of the best defenseman in the Colonial Conference. Along with serving as the Lion’s Team Captain this season, the West Caldwell, NJ native has played 118 games for the college including conference playoff and ACHA regional games every year. Along with his stellar work at defense, Marc has tallied 95 points over four years including 62 assists and 33 goals. He also served as the team’s Alternate Captain last season during the Lion’s historic season which included the program’s first ACHA Southeast Regional win including an assist during that game.

“Marc Tietjen has been a consistent rock for us defensively,” head coach Andrew Ducko said about his team’s captain. “He is our team leader, and has done everything I have asked of him for four years. He has battled hard for his school and teammates, and we are really lucky to have him on our team.”

At forward, Kris Hastings has been one of the most productive players the College of New Jersey has ever seen. This season alone the Cherry Hill, NJ native leads the team in goals with 18 and is second in points. Over his career however, Hastings has done far more in his 113 games. His 92 points alone (55 goals, 37 assists) would be enough to say it was a great career but Hastings’ ability to produce when his team needed him whether it be scoring a critical goal during his team’s nail-biting win in the 2018 Colonial Cup Final or helping to rally his teammates against NJIT earlier this season and scoring a hat-trick in the process of a comeback win.

“(He’s) a very talented hockey player, and has grown into a great two-way player for us,” Ducko said. “Kris matured into a leader on our team who is counted on when the game is on the line.  He has an amazing shot, and game breaking ability.”

The second Alternate Captain Ryan Anderson may have only played three seasons with the team, but he’s been a Lion for all four. Despite being unable to play due to knee surgery his freshman year the kid from Bordentown, NJ remained dedicated and took a role as the team’s manager. 

“Ryan Anderson personifies work ethic,” Ducko said of the graduating forward. “He has become one of the most reliable two-way forwards used in all situations.”

After recovering, Anderson made up for lost time and produced for his team. This season alone he’s assisted on ten separate goals, doubling his career total from the two previous seasons combined. He’s also served as the team’s club treasurer the past few seasons.

Finally, student managers Cassidy Mansmann and Kirk Phillips will also be leaving the team following the conclusion of the season as they look forward in their careers. 

Cassidy, an English, Secondary Education double major and Flyers fan, has been a critical part of game-day operations during her tenure. From collecting stats, updating social media, and helping with an ever-growing pregame routine are only some of the responsibilities the Hamilton, NJ native has on her plate. Despite this, she’s never wavered in her commitment to the team which is something Coach Ducko does not take for granted.

“(Cassidy) has an extensive knowledge of the game to go along with a passion and enthusiasm that is second to none,” he said. “She has been a valuable member of the staff and will be greatly missed.”

It helps to have not one, but two students of the game help manage the team as Kirk has done the past three seasons. His tenure has also included social media and game-day roles as the team continues to grow. 

“He knows the game very well and has the same sort of passion,” Coach Ducko said about Phillips. “He has been very helpful and will be greatly missed.”

All five of these Lions have been with the team in it’s most successful stretch of the past near 50 years. Three straight Colonial Cup wins, three-straight trips to the ACHA Southeast Regional including a historic win over local rival Rowan University, and an overall .630 winning percentage (75 wins) during that span.

While it is hard to say goodbye, it might be harder to express how grateful the team is to these five for all the time, sacrifice, and love they’ve put into this family.

Thank you all.