New Jersey Titans
The New Jersey Titans, formerly known as the Trenton Titans, have a rich history full of memorable wins and upsets that have left a lasting mark in the world of minor hockey. This professional minor level ice hockey team, based in Middletown, New Jersey, has been a part of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and later moved on to the North American Hockey League (HL).
Under the ownership of Bruce and Ardyne Aubut, the team began its journey in 1999 as the Trenton Titans and soon became a force to be reckoned with in the EHL. The team had some early successes, making it to the playoffs in its second season and winning the EHL championship in its fourth season. However, it was during their time in the HL that the team truly made its mark with some historic upsets and wins that will forever be remembered by fans and opponents alike.
One of the most memorable moments in the New Jersey Titans’ history came in the 2010-2011 season. The team had a slow start to the season and was ranked 6th out of 8th in the East Division. However, they managed to turn things around and secured a spot in the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, they faced the heavily favored Newark Generals and pulled off a stunning upset by defeating them in a four-game sweep. This win not only advanced the Titans to the next round but also earned them the title of “Cinderella Story” of the playoffs.
But the team was not done yet. In the next round, they faced the Danbury Whalers, who were the defending champions and had the best record in the league that season. Despite facing tough competition, the Titans once again prevailed and shocked the hockey world by beating the Whalers in a five-game series. This win sent them to the finals, making them the first HL team to reach the finals after starting the playoffs as the lowest seed. Though they ultimately fell to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in the finals, their journey to the championship series will always be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in league history.
Another memorable moment in Titans’ history came in the 2016-2017 season. The team had moved to the HL’s East Division and had a tough first season, finishing last in their division. But they bounced back in the following season, earning a spot in the playoffs and facing the Northeast Generals in the first round. Despite being the underdogs, the Titans swept the series and advanced to the next round, where they shocked the division-leading Philadelphia Rebels in four games. This win earned them a spot in the division finals, where they faced the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. After a hard-fought series, the Titans emerged victorious, securing their spot in the Robertson Cup Tournament for the first time in team history.
In the Robertson Cup Tournament, the Titans once again faced the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, who were the favorites to win the championship. The Titans put up a strong fight and took the series to a fifth and deciding game, but ultimately fell short of winning the cup. However, their journey to the finals and their impressive wins over top-ranked teams will always be remembered as an extraordinary moment in Titans’ history.
These are just a few of the many historic upsets and wins in the New Jersey Titans’ history. Over the years, the team has faced tough competition and has shown time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of minor hockey. As the team continues to grow and evolve, one thing is for sure – they will always be remembered for their grit, determination, and historic wins that have left a lasting mark in the world of hockey.
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