The Jersey Hitmen Empire squad guaranteed itself a playoff birth in its inaugural season with a 19-1 dismantling of the Elmira Jr Jackals this past Saturday. Needing only one point to put themselves into the postseason the Hitmen dominated the weekend from start to finish, taking the two game set by a combined score of 28-3.

The boys in blue put together a record setting night on Saturday. Their 56 combined player points and 132 shots on goal are both the new standard in the Empire league this season, and their 19 goals for ties Apple Core for the most goals in a game this season. Making the performance even more impressive was the fact that every single player who touched the ice for the Hitmen recorded at least one point, including goaltender Kyle Shapiro. Sixteen of the nineteen players turned in multi-point games.

The scoring charge was led the second leading scorer in the Empire league, Tim Clifton, who collected three goals on the evening. He would also chip in with two assists. Following Clifton’s lead were Scott Steinel, Kenny Pilanski, Dan Monahan, Mike Crampton, Connor Clifton, and RJ Burns who would all collect 2 goals on the night. Michael Conte, Nick Lotito, David Ramos, and Michael Bronzo would also light the lamp for the Hitmen. Despite not lighting the lamp Ali Thomas turned in a big night with 6 assists. Connor Leen and Michael Janson also made their presence felt collecting 3 assists a piece.

Sunday saw RJ Burns take over as he would score 4 goals en route the 9-2 victory. Michael Conte would add two of his own and David Ramos, Michael Bronzo, and Brad Campagna rounded out the weekend onslaught. Connor Leen post 5 assists on the day and Tim Clifton extended his league leading point streak to 24 games with a 3 assist performance. Matt Braun picked up the win in net moving him just two victories away from tying the league lead.

The Hitmen will head to Pittsburgh this weekend for what could be a first round playoff preview against the Jr Penguins. Game times are 3:20pm on Saturday and 8:50am on Sunday.