The Jersey Hitmen Empire team inched closer to clinching its first ever playoff birthday this weekend by virtue of a weekend sweep over the Philadelphia Revolution. The weekend began on Thursday night with a non-league contest against instate rival, the New Jersey Titans. The two jersey squads hooked up in a neutral site battle at the Red Bank Armory with the Hitmen cruising to a 6-2 victory. Connor Leen scored the first three Hitmen goals of the day before Colin MacDonald, Tim Clifton, and Scott Steinel sealed the game. Matt Braun made 38 saves to pick up the win in net.

Friday saw the Hitmen travel to Marlboro, MA for the Eastern Junior Hockey League Winter Showcase. The Hitmen would get on the board early when Ali Thomas found the back of the net just 5:29 into the contest on a great feed from Michael Conte. Michael Janson also picked up an assist on the play. Tim Clifton would follow with his first of the day just over six minutes later on a setup from RJ Burns and Connor Leen. Shortly after Clifton’s tally, Scott Steinel ripped a shot just under the bar to put the Hitmen up 3-0. Conte and Leen each picked up their second assists of the day on the goal. Clifton capped off the scoring for the first half at 22:26. Assists on the play would go to Conte and Steinel. The second half of action would see Philly mount a strong comeback effort, but Hitmen goaltender Kyle Shapiro held down the fort to pick up a 4-3 victory.

Saturday’s contest with Philly had a much different flavor to it as the Revolution got on the board at 8:46 to draw first blood. From that point on it was all Hitmen. The boys in blue scored five unanswered goals en route to victory. Connor Leen and Nick Lotito each picked up two on the day, and Michael Conte chipped in with one. Leen and Anthony Daniels picked up two assists each on the day and Kyle Shapiro made 32 saves to collect his second victory in as many days.

Notes: The Hitmen return home this weekend to square off against the Elmira Junior Jackals. By virtue of last weekends sweep the Hitmen can clinch a playoff spot with their next win…Forward Anthony Daniels was lost for the year with a broken leg…Goaltender Kyle Shapiro, who has continued his strong play, was added to the Futures Game roster for this Monday’s annual All-Star event.