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Titans Week in Review

January 15, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Titans News Release


It was one of the rare, two-game weeks in the Titans schedule, but in an unfortunate bit of symbolism, our 13th installment of TWIR, handling the week ending 1/13/13, proved to be unlucky for Trenton as they dropped both games against South Carolina.

The scores? 3-1 and 3-1. Reverse the numbers and what do you have? 13 and 13...odd and just a bit scary...

Friday January 11: Trenton - 1, S CAROLINA - 3

While neither goalie was caught in a shooting gallery, Ryan Zapolski (SC) and Niko Hovinen (TRE) found themselves locked in a scoreless duel deep into the second period. Matt Beca finally changed the scoreboard at 14:15 of the second, beating Hovinen (17 saves) for a 1-0 SC lead.

Hopes for a comeback looked bleak until good forechecking pressure on a power play led to a lazy Stingrays' pass deep in their defensive zone. Andy Bohmbach, pinching in hard, stole it in the slot and whipped one past Zapolski at 11:07 of the third. The tying goal was his team-leading 16th of the year, and seventh PPG, tying him with Stephen Schultz for team high.

Unfortunately that goal only held for five minutes, when former Titan Ryan Hayes - on a 3-on-1 - jumped on the rebound from a Hovinen save for the eventual game-winner. An empty-netter at the horn completed the scoring.

Saturday January 12 (Military Appreciation Night): Trenton - 1, SC-3

Trenton had plenty of chances in this season finale with the 'Rays, outshooting them 33-19, but could not solve Jeff Jakaitis (32 saves) until the end of the game.

Jakaitis and Scottt Wedgewood (16 saves) once again kept their opposition off the board until the second period. SC managed to score two in the second and another nearly midway into the third for a 3-0 advantage.

Brian Haczyk, in his second game since coming off injured reserve, finally solved Jakaitis with a blast from outside the right dot at 17:24 to spoil the shutout.

The game was also a bittersweet finale for defenseman Marcel Alvarez. The Second Lieutenant - a 2012 West Point grad - played (probably) his final professional hockey game, as he reported immediately after the game to Fort Benning, GA. There he will go through Ranger and Airborne Schools over a period of several months, before receiving his assisgnment.

In a stroke of scheduling luck, he was able to have his last game be on Military Appreciation Night, making it hold even more importance for him. The Titans are thankful for his outstanding play and representation with the team, and grateful for his service to our country.

He will always be a Titan...

The (Re)View From Atop Mount Olympus

Relief Effort In The Wake Of Hurricane Sandy: As time passes and the holidays came upon us, it is easy to forget the people who were - and continue to be - effected in the aftermath of Sandy. The Titans are grateful to the members of Titans Nation who provided - and continue to offer - relief supplies for those in need.

The Titans will continue the help their neighbors and will keep delivering donations as they come in. Trenton would like to thank its friends at Justin's Rentals in Trenton, for supplying the transportation needed to deliver those donations. For information on how you can help, please call the Titans' Offices at 609-341-1100.

We Will Protect This House...And Yours: Trenton's Penalty Killing unit is one of the best in the ECHL. They are currently tied for 2nd (with Gwinnett) overall at 85.8% (133-155), just .4% behind Alaska for first. The Titans are 4th at home (88.2) and 5th best on the road (83.3).

But...We Will Attack Your House Too: The Titans have a knack for scoring on the man-advantage when on the road. Currently they are ranked 4th in the league at 20.9% (18 goals-86 PP Opps).

Uneven-Strength Rivalry: The Titans have had an amazing run killing off the power plays of the Eastern Conference's best team, Atlantic Division rival Reading. They have held the Royals' PP scoreless in 35-straight chances (over 8-plus games). The last PPG for Reading against Trenton was its first chance on October 17, 2012, scoring at 15:03 of the opening period. In 10 meetings this season, Reading has just 2 PPG in 43 chances (scoring once in each of the first two meetings this year).

Tired Of Streaking: Despite playing some good hockey over the last couple weeks, the Titans find themselves mired in an 0-6-1 slide over the last seven games.

Oh, Captain, My Captain: Captain Andy Bohmbach currently leads the team in Points (33), Goals (16), SHG (3) and GWG (4). He is tied for first with Stephen Schultz in Assists (17) and PPG (7).

Happy To Short Circuit: Trenton still leads the ECHL in Road SHG (7). The Titans had 7 SHG (3 road) all of last season.

Trying To Be Positive: Schultz and new man Brad Peltz are the only current Titans to have a plus/minus rating in the black. Schultz is a +1 and Peltz is +2.

Still Know How To Close: Trenton is 8-1-1-1 when leading after two periods.

Upcoming Slate

Wednesday January 16 vs. READING ROYALS (11 am): Reading is 7-2-1 against Trenton.

Friday January 18 at ELMIRA JACKALS (7:05 pm): In 7 meetings, 5 have been 1-goal games (TRE is 3-1-1).

Saturday/Sunday January 19-20 vs. CINCINNATI CYCLONES (7:05 and 3:05 pm): CIN won only meeting (6-4, in CIN on October 20).

Promotions This Week

January 16 - Education Game (Blades For Grades)

January 19 - Scout Night and Post Game Skate

January 20 - 2nd Annual Pucks For Paws presented by the EASEL Animal Rescue League - bring your dog to the game; Team autograph session after the game.

The Trenton Titans returned in the 2011-12 hockey season after a five year hiatus and boasted a 26.1% increase in attendance over the previous year, the largest of any team in the (then) 20-team ECHL. For information on promotions, team events or to purchase tickets for the 2012-13 season, call the Titans' offices at 609-341-1100, or go to TrentonTitansHockey.com.

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