The NJ 87s, a member of the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) is proud to announce an affiliation agreement with the North American Hockey League New Jersey Titans for the 2017-2018 season. This agreement between the two clubs is a perfect example of USA Hockey’s Ladder of Development and dovetails perfectly with the NJ 87s mission statement of athletic and scholastic development as well as player advancement. The NAHL NJ Titans have done a tremendous job of advancing players since moving to the Middletown Sports Complex, committing 14 players to NCAA Division 1 hockey over the past 2 seasons. ”Over the past year, our ownership group has been able to watch from top to bottom the inner workings of the NAHL Titans. Craig Doremus, Head Coach, and his staff have done a tremendous job in recruitment, development and placement of their players.. Having this affiliation will allow for a dynamic synergy between both organizations. Our goal will be to mirror their club. It will give our players a first hand experience of the NAHL, and will allow for young talent to develop.”
Both organizations play out of the Middletown Sports Complex, a state of the art facility located in Middletown, NJ. In addition, the NJ 87s join current affiliate Charlotte Rush, an organization run by Ryan Cruthers. “We had the opportunity to talk with Ryan during his team’s playoff run and eventual championship, and we are very excited to work with him, his strong attention to detail and pattern of development is very evident. As a group, we felt our goals were very similar. The Titans, Rush, and NJ 87s will focus entirely on the player development, team development, and coaching development. It is an exciting time for a player to find their way to us”
The NAHL Titans finished the year with 34-22-1-3 for 72 points in the East Division. The Titans made it to the East Division Finals in the playoffs this season. They swept the Johnstown Tomahawks in the first round 3-0. In the East Division Final they forced a Game 5 after being down 2-0 in the series. The Titans fell short in Game 5 falling to the Aston Rebels for the East Division Championship.
The Charlotte Rush finished their year as Champions, capturing the crown with an impressive 38-5-1 for 77 points. The Rush committed 12 players to the NCAA level in just their second year of operation.
The NJ 87’s embark on their inaugural year in the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP). Coach and General Manager Adam Houli is excited to start. “ We have been very pleased with our off-season so far, we have recruited hard to make sure we are finding players that will fit our team which will allow us to be successful. This relationship with the NAHL Titans will further strengthen our team. We are very eager and excited for the puck to drop in September.”
The New Jersey 87's organization is committed to developing and producing student-athletes with aspirations of advancing to collegiate levels of hockey through a "hands on" approach. Through dedication and commitment from both player and coach, the players are taught the importance of education, nutrition and off-ice training needed to be successful both on and off the ice. The organization prides itself on work ethic and understanding that each and every player develops differently. For more information, email NJ87sHC@gmail.com and follow them on Twitter: @NJ87sEHL.
