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OFFICIAL SITE OF THE JERSEY HITMEN 2008 EJHL CHAMPIONS!!! EJHL Champions set for final tryout camp Hitmen capture EJHL spring classic Craig soars to division one ranks
Hitmen nab post season awards Hitmen add new Junior team for 2008-2009 Wayne, NJ - Jersey Hitmen will be fielding an Independent Junior/U-19 Development Team for the 2008-2009 season. The purpose of this development team is to identify and train legititmate prospects using the same model that the Hitmen team currently employs. Hitmen featured on Hockey Magazine East Cover
Himelson to Clarkson Hitmen take first EJHL Playoff Championship Worcester, MA - Mark Armstrong scored midway through the third period and Jon Morrow held off a late charge by the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs to capture their first EJHL Playoff Championship. Click here for pictures of the championship team. On Saturday, Cory Callen scored 7:09 into overtime to lead the Jersey Hitmen past the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in game one of the EJHL Championship Series. The game, which featured the 2007-08 EJHL Regular Season Co-Champions, certainly lived up to its billing. Both teams came out flying, hoping to gain the early edge. The Monarchs, however, struck less than two minutes into the game when Jimmy Gaudet sent Charlie Mullan and Kyle Mountain in on a 2-on-1. Mullan took the pass from Gaudet and skated in before hitting Mountain in the slot, and Mountain shot the puck past Hitmen goalie Jon Morrow. Courtesy Mike Klein and EJHL Hitmen to face Monarchs for EJHL title Armstrong a Saint Ruikka to Boston University
"I thought BU was the right place for me, it just felt like home on my visit," commented Ruikka. "The opportunity was one that I could not pass up and I think it will be a great place for me. BU is an academically accredited school and has a great hockey program both of which I was looking for during my college search. I think I will fit well into the Terriers hockey program and hope to help them continue their success." Ruikka went on to comment on the EJHL and the Hitmen, "I truly believe that coming out East to play in the EJHL was a great move for me. I got the opportunity to play and develop my skills. I also would not be where I am without my parents, who have given graciously to me and have supported me in everything I have done. I also want to thank them along with everyone back home who has taken a part of developing me and helping me move on to the next level. Lastly, I want to thank Coach Harris and Coach Hunt for believing in me and pushing me each day both on and off the ice. The value of training at a high level and being held accountable every time I stepped into the arena has afforded me the opportunity to play at BU." Ryan will follow defenseman, Mike Hewkin (who played last season with the Hitmen and currently plays at Northeastern University) into Hockey East and the beanpot. "I was so happy for Mike last season when he made the move from the NAHL out to the Hitmen and was able to capture his DI hockey dream," commented coach Harris. "This season I feel the same elation as Ryan made the move from the USHL to the Hitmen and through our off ice training and college development theories in practice, along with the exposure that the EJHL affords the player, he was able to attain his dream. This is truly a great day for both the Ruikka family and the Hitmen organization alike, I know that Ryan will thrive under coach Parker, and develop into a fine young man." Hitmen Clinch EJHL southern division title
Wayne, NJ - For the first time in their
four year existence the Jersey Hitmen have clinched the EJHL
southern division crown. "I am so ecstatic right now,"
commented coach Harris on title. "The boys have worked so
hard all year for this. We have had awesome goaltending, the
defensive core has been nearly perfect game in and game out
and we have had four lines that compete hard every night and
chip in with timely scoring, so far it has been a recipe for
success."
The Hitmen currently sit one point out of the top spot in
the EJHL. With an overall record of 36-9-9 and a league
record of 26-7-7 the Hitmen have shattered their records
of past seasons. Coach Harris went on to say, "Over the
summer the staff went out and recruited in pieces. We took
those pieces and formulated lines and defensive pairings, we
watched to see what fit into the puzzle, and what didn't and
I think the staff and the players did a wonderful job of
playing to our strengths and attacking our weaknesses early
in the season."
One of the glaring changes this season from years past is
the players mindset and their team camaraderie, and one can
see that in the team stats. This season the Hitmen bolster a
line-up with 12 players over the 25 point mark, and 10 with
over ten goals, illustrating that throughout this season it
has truly been a team effort. The Hitmen also sit tops in
the league in powerplay percentage at 23% and penalty
killing percentage at 89%.
"Winning the southern division title is a great milestone,
but it is only one on the list of three that the team put
together at our first team meeting back in September," said
Coach Harris. "We still have two titles in our sights, the
EJHL crown and a national championship, and I know that are
boys are hungry to attain all the goals that they had set
back on day one."
Tufts calls on Amico Hitmen all tied up Hitmen shine in all-star classic
Effinger and Craig lead fine showing by Hitmen
Hooksett, NH - On Monday, January 21st the
first place Hitmen sent 8 players to the EJHL all-star classic
in Hooksett, NH. Eddie Effinger, Garet Chumley, Ryan Craig, Ryan
Ruikka, Andrew Himelson, Jon Morrow and Jonathan Lee all
represented the EJHL southern division all-stars in the 5-2
southern division win. In the victory, Eddie Effinger was named
#1 star for his 2 goal, 1 assist effort and Ryan Craig was
honored with the #2 star for his 3 assist effort.
After the game southern division coach Toby Harris said, "I was
so proud of the boys today. They played hard, and each one of
them was impressive in the win." He went on to say, "I spoke
with many NHL, DI and DIII coaches after the game and they all
commented on how hard the boys competed and how impressed they
were with the way the boys approached the game. These 8 opened a
lot of eyes today individually and really made the organization
proud."
Hitmen captain, Mark Armstrong had a strong game finishing with
one assist and Hitmen goaltenders, Jon Morrow (credited with the
win and 16 saves) and Jonathan Lee (0 goals against on 8 shots)
also played very well. Defensive partners, Ryan Ruikka and
Andrew Himelson, stood out in the scouts eyes with their
impressive skill sets and tremendous skating.
Hitmen tame Falcons and Huskies in weekend sweep
Hitmen extend lead in southern conference with
four point weekend
West Springfield, MA - This past weekend the Hitmen packed up and headed north once again for a two game set with the NE Jr Falcons and the NE Jr Huskies. With both the Falcons and Huskies respectively battling for play-off spots the Hitmen knew that this weekend set would not be an easy one. On Saturday night, the Hitmen faced off against southern division foe, the NE Jr Falcons at the Olympia Arenas in West Springfield, MA. From the drop of the puck, the Hitmen dictated play peppering the Falcons goaltender with 9 straight shots, but at the 4:14 point off an errant rebound from a weak point shot, the Falcons would go up, 1-0. This goal seemed to infuriate the Hitmen as they would rattle off three straight goals in a four minute stretch compliments of Mike Muhs (on the powerplay) and two by Garet Chumley. With a two goal lead and a 17-8 shot edge entering the second, it looked as if the Hitmen were in control, but that would all change as the officiating would take over. At the :48 second mark of the second period Ryan Craig would get whistled off for a two minute minor, and then get a ten minute misconduct tacked on, from this point the Hitmen would get charged with eight straight penalties. With each call being more outrageous than the first, the Hitmen would battle down a man or two for over 6 minutes until the Falcons (on a 5 on 3 advantage) finally lit the lamp to cut the lead to 3-2. After killing off the remaining penalties the Hitmen would go back to work and Bill Day would score on a highlight wrap around, to put the Hitmen back up by two goals heading into the third period. At the start of the 3rd, once again on the powerplay, the Falcons would score to cut the Hitmen lead to one again, but that would be all as the Hitmen batted down the hatches, and added an insurance goal late as team leading scorer, Ryan Craig, would hit the empty net to put the game away. After the game coach Harris commented, "I have never seen anything like the officiating that I saw tonight. Good refs are never seen in a hockey game, pompous refs think that the parents and scouts are their to watch them, we all know what kind of official we had tonight." He went on to say, "I was impressed with the way the boys stayed together amidst the awful officiating, and battled through it for a tough two points. The Falcons are a well coached, gritty team, and taking two points from these guys is always an accomplishment." On Sunday night the Hitmen traveled from Springfield, north to Tyngsboro, to face the northern division, NE Jr Huskies at the Skate 3 arena. Known as one of the toughest venues in the league to win at, the Hitmen knew that they would be in for a battle, and a battle they got. Beginning the game in the same manner, as they did against the Falcons just 24 hours earlier, the Hitmen dictated play until the 1:24 mark when rookie, Kevin Clare, would notch his second career EJHL goal in as many games to put the Hitmen up, 1-0. From that point on the action would be fast, and end to end, until the 14:10 mark when the Huskies would get on the board on a nice passing play to even the score at one entering the intermission. The second period started like the first, but the first tally would be credited to the home team, as 4 minutes into the second the Huskies would break through and go up, 2-1 on a broken play in front of the Hitmen net. This goal seemed to ignite the Huskies as just 2 minutes later, shorthanded, the Huskies extended their lead cashing in on a 2 on 1 passing play, but that would not be it for the Hitmen. Down, 3-1, the Hitmen would once again show their resiliency, as they would rattle off three straight powerplay goals, by newcomer, Matt Amico, all star defenseman, Ryan Ruikka, and offensive dynamo, Corey Callen, to put the Hitmen up 4-3 with 13 minutes to play. It looked as if the momentum had shifted, and just 3 minutes later, Kevin Clare would back up that premise as he would knotch his second of the game on an awesome breakaway move, to put the Hitmen up 5-3, and it looked as if the final nail had been put in the coffin with 10 minutes to play. This was not the case as with just 1:26 left on the clock, the Huskies would come back and cut the lead to one capitalizing on a failed clearing attempt and with 1 minute left they would pull their goaltender for the extra attacker. With the 6 on 5 advantage, and just :48 seconds remaining, the Huskies would tie the game on a nice snap shot from the high slot to send the game to overtime. With the momentum now shifting back in the Huskies advantage the Hitmen looked all but out of it until with just under one minute remaining, Matt Amico picked off a clearing attempt, found Andrew Himelson streaking in from the point, and Himelson snapped a shot under the Huskie goaltenders arm to win the game in overitime, 6-5. "That was quite a victory," commented coach Harris. "I have never seen a game with so many momentum changes. Shorthanded goals, powerplay goals, 6 on 5 goals, overtime goals, this game had it all." He went on to say, "I am so proud of how we battled tonight. We played with passion, we were resilient, we really played together as a team, this was a hard fought two points."
Hitmen plant Shamrocks Hitmen send eight to
EJHL all-star classic
Hitmen mop up at inagural
EJHL Winter Showcase
Hitmen outscore opponents 12-4 in three victories Marlboro, MA - Coming off a 17 day break coach Harris was leery of the team picking up where they had left off, however true to form the Hitmen did not disappoint. In the first ever EJHL/AJHL Winter Showcase the Hitmen took care of the competition disposing of the AJHL Washington Jr Nationals (3-1), the AJHL Philadelphia Jr Flyers (5-1) and league foe Valley Jr Warriors (4-2) to improve their overall record to an impressive, 31-6-6. "I was quite pleased with our effort against Washington fresh off the break," commented coach Harris. "Anytime you take a long break and are without ice and competition on a regular basis conditioning and timing are always a big question mark, but all my questions were answered against the Nationals." In the 3-1 victory, the Hitmen outshot Washington, 32-9, and dictated play most of the night. The bright note on the night was that the Hitmen got scoring from three out of four of the lines, as Hitmen newcomer, Josh Stone, netted his first goal as a Hitman with assists going to linemates, Matt Amico and Tucker Callen. Stone's goal was then followed by a Cory Callen tally, with assists going to Craig and Newberg, and Nick Lampson ended the scoring at the :26 second mark of the final stanza, assists going to Chmley and Effinger. Jon Lee, who was not tested a lot, kicked out 8 saves in the victory. On Saturday the Hitmen faced-off against another girtty AJHL opponent in the Philadelphia Jr Flyers. "I knew Philly was going to compete hard," said coach Harris. "We played them two years ago in the Mercyherst showcase and they never stopped skating, it was the kind of game that you look for off of break to rally the troops." From the drop of the puck it was a very physical game, with both teams competing hard until the Hitmen broke through at the 9:45 mark as captain Mark Armstrong netted his 17th goal of the season. The next twelve to thirteen minutes of the contest the action was fast and furious until the Hitmen broke through again, and in fine fashion, scoring twice in a :57 second span. At the 22:11 mark, Garet Chumley notched the second Hitmen goal on a nice centering pass from Eddie Effinger, and just under a minute later Josh Newberg would score a classic, blue collar Newberg goal as he would redirect a centering pass from Corey Callen through the Flyer goaltender to put the Hitmen up, 3-0. In the second half, the Flyers would try to mount a comeback scoring just :26 seconds into the period, but from there on in, Jon Morrow would shut the door kicking out 21 Philadelphia shots in the victory. The Hitmen would add two more goals late, one off the stick of Tucker Callen, and the second would be Josh Newberg's second of the game, and his first shorthanded goal of the season, and the Hitmen would roll to victory 5-1. In game three, it was back to EJHL play, as the Hitmen would battle EJHL northern division foe, the Valley Jr Warriors. The Warriors, coming off victories against the Bridgewater Bandits and Boston Jr Bulldogs, were rearing to go. From the drop of the puck the Hitmen dominated play peppering the Warriors net, and that play paid off as just 1:43 into the contest, Mike Muhs would notch his 4th of the season to put the Hitmen up, 1-0. Building off the early goal, and momentum, just 3 shifts later, Muhs' linemate, Nick Geraci would tally his 9th of the year off a nice passing play from Armstrong to Muhs and Geraci would finish upstairs to extend the lead, 2-0. After the early onslaught, and the Hitmen ringing a couple of posts, Valley would settle down the troops until the 20:15 mark when defensive dynamo, Ryan Ruikka, would sneak in from the point and score his 3rd of the season to widen the Hitmen lead going into break, 3-0. After the 15 minute break, and some choice words from their head coach, Valley roared back. Just 1:03 into the second half Valley would knotch their first goal, on their 7th shot, and began to mount a comeback. As the Hitmen tried to settle the ship, the Warriors would break through again at the 8 minute mark on the powerplay, cutting the Hitmen lead to 3-2, but Jersey would not give in, and behind some huge saves from Jon Morrow, the Hitmen would skate to a 4-2 victory. "You never like to see a let down like we had the first 10 minutes of the second half, but behind some spectacular saves from Jon Morrow we were able to bend back not break, and gut out a very important two league points," said coach Harris after the game. For his outstanding play on the weekend Jon Morrow was honored by the EJHL with his 2nd Defensive Player of the week honor. On the weekend Morrow posted some amazing stats with a 1.50 GAA and a .923 save percentage. This comes on the heels of two other Hitmen securing the EJHL honors prior to break, for the week of 12/21/06, Bill Day (Defensive Player of the week) and Michael O'Brien (Rookie of the week) were recognized. Please visit www.easternjunior.com for the player of the week archive. Hitmen break for the
holidays atop the EJHL Newberg honored by EJHL
Hard nosed center earns offensive player of the week
Wayne, NJ - This past weekend the Hitmen went 2-1 in the Jr
Huskies classic, and Josh Newberg was a driving force despite
being stricken by the flu. Newberg, who is currently tied for
3rd in team scoring and tied for 20th in
EJHL scoring, lit the lamp in all three showcase games including
the game winner in the 6-5 victory over the host Huskies.
"Josh is a man of few words, he lets his game do the talking,"
said coach Harris. "Josh has been with us now for three seasons
and it is amazing how he has worked to transform his game on
both ends of the ice. He competes harder than anyone in the
league, both on and off the ice, and will do anything for a
teammate. I know Josh will go far in this game, and be a major
asset to any college program."
On the season Newberg has compiled some pretty impressive
numbers. In 38 games Josh has a line of 15-23-38, with a +7
rating, 5 powerplay goals, and 5 game winning goals. The son of
Mr and Mrs Robert Newberg, the Westfield, NJ native has garnered
much college interest this season.
Hitmen gear up for
Selects
Jersey sits atop the EJHL with 41 points
Wayne, NJ - Leaving the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg, MA
this past weekend with 4 points, the Hitmen sat atop the EJHL
and the southern division by three points. Coach Harris
commented on the weekend, "I was happy with the boys performance
this weekend. We competed hard, we battled back from some early
deficits, and had a chance to win on Sunday, but fell short.
Right now the only thing that we are focused on is the next task
at hand, and that is preparing to beat a well coached Capital
District team."
At the Huskies showcase in Fitchburg the Hitmen went 2-1 and
secured four out of six possible points. On Friday afternoon the
Hitmen gained two large southern division points beating a game
Bay State Breakers team, 5-3. Despite getting down early, 2-0,
the Hitmen came storming back in the second half scoring 5
unanswered goals by five different Hitmen. Eddie Effinger
started the scoring, and he was followed by Newberg, O'Brien,
Armstrong and Chumley, and Jon Morrow stood tall in net kicking
out 14 Bay State shots for the victory.
On Saturday the Hitmen faced off against the host NE Jr Huskies
and was this a roller coaster of a ride as there would be 4 lead
changes, 11 goals scored, and an unconfirmed EJHL record. The
Huskies would start the scoring on the first shift of the game,
to once again put the Hitmen in an early hole, but the Hitmen
would not go quietly as 7 minutes later Tucker Callen would knot
the game at one. However, just 2 minutes later the Huskies would
go back up on top, only to relinquish that lead at the 19:02
mark as Ryan Craig would score his team leading 12th goal. The
teams would head into intermission tied at two, but the
fireworks were about to be set off.
Once again the Hitmen would be caught sleeping in the first
shift of the period as just :42 seconds in, the Huskies would
strike to go up again, 3-2, but the lead would not last long.
Just :21 seconds later Corey Callen would tickle the twine,
followed by brother Tucker, and veteran Kevin Miller, all three
goals happening in a unofficial EJHL record :27 seconds, and
putting the Hitmen up 5-3, but the fanfare would not stop. After
a Huskies time out, the home team managed to score twice in a 10
minute span to tie the game up with only five minutes remaining,
but in step EJHL player of the week, Josh Newberg. Newberg would
strike with just 3 minutes remaining to put the final nail into
the coffin, as the Hitmen escaped, 6-5.
The Sunday finale would pit the first place Hitmen against the
second place Bandits in an early, 7:40am affair, and it would
not be pretty. Coming off of two hard fought games the Hitmen
wiped the sleep out of their eyes, but could not beat
Bridgewater goalie, Ross MacKinnon on their chances, dropping
the final game, 4-1. After the game coach Harris commented, "we
had a chance to win today, but did not deserve to win. We lost
precious puck battles along the boards, and in front of our net,
that resulted in goals against. When we had chances to bounce
back Mackinnon was equal to the task, the bottom line is that
the Bandits just executed their game plan better."
Currently the Hitmen sit 3 points clear of Bridgewater with 3
games in hand heading into the weekend series with the Capital
District Selects at home. The Hitmen will face off against the
Selects Saturday night at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoon at 12:30pm
both games will be played at the Ice Vault.
Hitmen dispose of South Kent
4-0 Morrow honored by the EJHL Hitmen take a bite out of the Core
Lampson, Himelson and Ruikka lead Hitmen to victory
Wayne, NJ - In a rear mid week game the Jersey
Hitmen faced off against division rivals Apple Core on Wednesday
night. With both teams deadlocked in third place with 16 points it
was sure to be quite a battle. The Hitmen coming off a strong
showing against Northwood Prep, winning 4-3 despite outshooting the
prep team 36-11, were eager to avenge an earlier season loss to the
Core.
The Hitmen started earlier, and scored often, as just :19 seconds
into play Garet Chumley continued his hot play intercepting a
goaltender clearing effort and sliding the puck behind the Apple
Core goaltender to put the Hitmen up 1-0. This was a lead that the
Hitmen would never relinquish as just minutes later, the
Chumley-Effinger-Lampson line would strike again. At the 7:17 mark
Nick Lampson would score his second of the season in as many games
on a nice passing play from Effinger and Chumley to put the home
team up 2-0, but they were not done. Just 3 minutes later Effinger
would take his turn redirecting a Lampson pass the Apple Core
goaltender to put the Chumley-Effinger-Lampson line, and the Hitmen,
up 3-0. At this point Apple Core coach, Henry Lazar, would use his
timeout and pull their goaltender looking for a spark, to no avail,
as the Hitmen finished the first stanza outshooting the Core, 22-8,
dominating play.
The second period would start differently than the first as Apple
Core hit the ice after a reaming from their head coach, and cut the
lead to 3-1 just 2 minutes in. This would not slow down the Hitmen
as newcomer, Mike Muhs, would extend the lead back to three on a
nifty tip in front of the net on a cannon from Mark Armstrong. With
the period coming to a close, the Hitmen would strike again, this
time on the powerplay, as EJHL rookie of the week, Andrew Himelson
would snap a pass over to Ryan Ruikka who in turn snapped a hard
shot to the net that, like Muhs' goal, was redirected nicely passed
a beaten Core goaltender by Nick Lampson. His second of the night
would put the Hitmen up 5-1, and they would not look back.
In the final period the hard battling Apple Core team continued to
compete and at one time cut the Hitmen lead to 5-3, but the comeback
was thwarted by rookie of the year candidate, Andrew Himelson, who
notched his 7th of the season at 17:43 to put the game away.
"I thought our passion, our preparedness, and some very special
efforts from a lot of guys contributed to a huge win," commented
coach Harris. "We competed hard, and I think the shot total shows
that (57-30), but we got some big time saves from Jon Morrow, to put
away a very game Apple Core team." Harris went on to say, "we have
two huge games this weekend, and now that these two points are in
the book, it is time to prepare for our next competitor, the New
England Falcons."
The Hitmen will face off against the Falcons at home this weekend,
Friday night at 7pm and Saturday morning at 9:15am. Please visit
www.icevault.com for details
as the Hitmen will be holding their annual Skate with the
Hitmen Saturday morning after the game.
Chumley and
Himelson honored
Hitmen teammates earn EJHL player of the week accolades
Wayne, NJ - After leading the charge in a
weekend sweep of division foes, the Bay State Breakers, Garet
Chumley and Andrew Himelson were recognized by the league for
their outstanding play. Chumley was honored with EJHL Rookie of
the Week honors as he scored 2 powerplay goals and added four
assists for a 6 point weekend. "I have been very happy with
Garet's play so far this season," coach Harris commented. "He
has been a great player, he has worked hard both on and off the
ice, and most importantly he has been a great person and is very
well liked in the locker room." Currently Chumley sits fifth in
EJHL scoring (6-7-13) and has garnered much interest from
division one schools.
Andrew Himelson has been a very pleasant surprise for the Hitmen
this season. A product of the NJ Devils midget AAA program,
Himelson has performed magnificently for the Hitmen. This past
weekend Himelson earned EJHL Defensive Player of the Week honors
as he lit up the Bay State goaltenders for 3 powerplay goals and
added an assist along with a +4 rating on the weekend. "Andrew
has been a steadying force on the back end for us this season,"
said coach Harris. "He is playing like a veteran back there, and
the confidence that the coaching staff has in Andrew is
immeasurable." Himelson currently sits in second place in EJHL
defensive scoring, first in goals (4) and first in powerplay
goals (4).
Hitmen sweep Breakers and remain undefeated
Jersey entrenched in first place after second consecutive home
sweep
Wayne, NJ - After completing their first home sweep
in two years, the Hitmen continued to make franchise history
registering their first ever back to back sweeps. Along with the
'sweeps' came 8 big southern division points to leave the Hitmen and
Syracuse as the only two EJHL teams still undefeated in EJHL league
play. The Hitmen continued their winning ways behind great
goaltending, timely scoring and tremendous play from the Jersey
rearguard.
On Saturday night, the Hitmen came out flying and took care of
business right off the bat scoring 3 times on the powerplay and
adding to more even strength goals to go up 5-1. Halfway through the
second period it looked as if the Hitmen were poised to give the
Breakers a white washing, but to their credit, the Breakers battled
back and with 3 powerplay goals of their own, cut the Hitmen lead to
just, 5-4. This was the wake up call the Hitmen needed as they
lengthen the lead to 6-4, and ran away with a 8-6 shoot-out. Coach
Harris commented on the win, "boy was that a rollercoaster ride. You
have to commened Bay State on never giving up, but on the flip side
of things, our boys never stopped competing and eventually fought
hard for these 2 points."
Harris went on to comment on the outstanding play of the Craig,
Newberg, Corey Callen line, as well as Garet Chumley and Andrew
Himelson, "the Newberg line was tremendous tonight, and along with
Himelson and Chumley have performed well all year, however it was
those veterans that put us over the top tonight." Glancing over the
box score Harris was right on as the Newberg line accrued 7 points
in the game, Chumley had 2 goals and 2 assists and Himelson scored
on the powerplay and also added a helper.
The Sunday afternoon game mirrored the Saturday night game somewhat
with the Hitmen jumping out to a 2-0 lead, only to squander it
giving up a powerplay and shorthanded tally, but continued to
compete scoring 2 goals in the final minute of the first period.
"Nick Geraci's goal (the eventual game-winner) was one of the best
goals I have seen in years at this level," said Coach Harris after
the victory. "He beat a forward, a defenseman, then went post to
post and tucked the puck by a sprawled out goaltender, it was truly
amazing!"
After the 6 first period goals things settled down and the
goaltenders took charge. As Ostergard and Lee combined for 59 saves
on 60 shots and the Hitmen skated to victory, 5-3, on an empty net
goal from Corey Callen. Again the line of Craig, Newberg and Callen
combined for six points and altogether 13 on the weekend, and
Himelson once again struck for 2 goals. Harris added, "The Newberg
line right now is playing their best hockey in two years, they have
really been our 'go to' line over the past two weeks. On top of that
the goaltending that we have gotten from Jon Morrow and Jonathan Lee
has been stupendous, and our blue line could not be any stronger
with Himelson, Ruikka, Day, Conte and youngster Kevin Clare stepping
right in."
The Hitmen travel to New Hampshire this weekend for the NH Jr
Monarchs Classic. On Friday the Hitmen will face off against the
Boston Jr Shamrocks for the first time in EJHL history. Saturday
pits the now undefeated Hitmen vs. the undefeated North leading
Syracuse Stars, and Sunday the Hitmen face off against arch rival,
Apple Core.
Hitmen crown the Kings A
Good Day for the Knights 1st Annual
Hitmen Showcase a
Tremendous Success Jersey Hitmen Capture Eastern Showcase Title 04 August, 2007 by studio (EJHL website) In a classic battle between two EJHL powerhouses, the Jersey Hitmen defeated New York Apple Core (Green) by a score of 3-2. In the end it was a power-play tally by Michael O’Brien with 6:32 remaining in the game that made the difference. In a
classic battle between
two EJHL powerhouses,
the Jersey Hitmen
defeated New York Apple
Core (Green) by a score
of 3-2. In the end it
was a power-play tally
by Michael O’Brien
(Franklin Lakes, NJ)
with 6:32 remaining in
the game that made the
difference. Coach Harris takes over helm! Wayne, NJ - At last months final Hitmen camp GM Peter Masters and Head Coach Jim Hunt announced to the returning players that this season Toby Harris will be taking over the Hitmen as the head coach. This flip flop in responsibilities (Jim will stay on as associate head coach) was born out of coach Hunt's new position with the 2008 US world Junior team. Earlier this summer Jim was named as an assistant coach for the US team. "What a great honor for Jim and the Hitmen to have it's head coach be named to such a lofty position in the hockey world. This job is hard to get and I am very jealous. I know Jim loves working with the US national team so this should be a special year for him and the Hitmen" said GM masters of Hunts appointment. Because Jim's responsibilities have increased beyond the capacity of him being able to devote his full attention to the Hitmen, as he has done in the past, he approached Peter Masters with his concerns."I in fact don't know how much I will be around the team the first half of the season. I am sure I will make most of the practices but right now it is up in the air with my responsibilities to the World junior team where I will be each weekend. I might be with the Hitmen or I might be on the road scouting for the US team," said coach Hunt. Because of the instability in his schedule and the job coach Harris has done over the years recruiting and growing as new coach both Peter Masters and Jim hunt agreed that it would be best for coach Harris to take over the ship. "I am very grateful to get this opportunity. Jim has been a great teacher for me and mentor. I know he is going to be around more than he thinks and will be a big part of what goes on day to day and long term with team. I look forward to working with him and the great bunch of guys we have coming in this year. This also makes rooting for the US team even more fun now that we know we have one of our own helping to build a gold medal winner," said coach Harris. Good luck to the Hitmen and the US world junior team. |
Wayne, NJ - After leading the Hitmen to the most successful season since their inception into the league in 2004, playoff MVP, Ryan Craig, has signed his letter of intent to attend Niagara University in the Fall of '08. In two seasons with the Hitmen, Craig finished both years as the top scorer on the team amassing an impressive 38-66-104 scoring line with 181 penalty minutes in 95 EJHL games. Craig was also voted as the 2nd star in back to back EJHL all-star games leading the southern conference to victories in the 2007 and 2008 games. "This is a great day for the EJHL, Craig family and Hitmen family," commented coach Harris. "Ryan is a special player and a special person, a true diamond in the rough. I had a chance to watch him play three years ago at TIER II nationals and was impressed with his play, although he was very rough around the edges. In two seasons with the Hitmen, Ryan has flourished into a division one player. He is tough, he can score goals, and he is an intense competitor, I am very proud of what he has become and where this opportunity will take him."
Wayne, NJ - One of the most sought after players this past season in the EJHL, Andrew Himelson, has signed with Clarkson University for the fall of 2009. Himelson, who lead the EJHL in nearly every defensive category, finished the season with an impressive 20-46-66 scoring line. "Andrew is an incredible player and person," commented Coach Harris. "He is a coaches dream! Offensively gifted, defensively sound, extremely durable and very coachable. He plays in every situation, is a leader by example, and is very well liked in the locker room. Clarkson is getting an All-American caliber defenseman in Andrew.".jpg)
Wayne, NJ - The Jersey Hitmen are proud to announce their 6th college signing of the year as EJHL all-star and team captain, Mark Armstrong, has committed to St Lawrence University for the fall of '08. The hard nosed winger from Palm Harbor, Florida finished the season fourth on the Hitmen in powerplay goals, third in game winning goals, and tied for second in shorthanded goals. 
Wayne, NJ - The Jersey Hitmen are proud to announce that EJHL all-star defenseman, Ryan Ruikka, has accepted a scholarship to Boston University for the fall of '08. Ruikka, a native of Chelsea, Michigan, finished the season tied for 7th in EJHL defensive scoring with 30 points, but more importantly the defensive minded defenseman ended the regular season with a +35 rating.
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