Reigning Champs, Jersey Hitmen Continue to Roll
Reigning Champs Roll
Wayne, NJ - In winning their 4th Dineen Cup Championship in seven seasons, the Hitmen knew that they would start the season with a target on their back. Following coach Harris' motto of "we don't rebuild, we reload" the Hitmen have picked right up where they left off, having not lost a game in regulation to start the season.
"I have heard it all," said coach Harris. "You only return five players.....how are you going to fill the holes left by the 20 players you sent to college.....is this a rebuilding year?!?! To them I say it is business as usual. We reload every year. We always send 75-80% of our roster to college and turnover is the life blood of our franchise. The bottom line is, it is my job to go out and find the next set of 'good ones' and I believe that we have done that this season."
Through seven games, the Hitmen have put up a record of 6-0-0-1, with their only blemish an exhibition shoot-out loss to the Jr Bruins. Leading the way thusfar up front, for the Hitmen have been two players that have come up through the organization, newly named assistant captain, David Szmyd (5 points in 4 USPHL league games) and Quinnipiac recruit, Alex Whelan (5 points in 4 USPHL games). They have also been joined atop the scoring list by 2014-15 USPHL all-star, Conlan Keenan, who made the move over from the Rochester Jr Americans.
On defense, the Hitmen have been lead by returner, Joe Kinsella. Kinsella, who put on 20 pounds of muscle in the off season, has really matured into a top talent and newcomer, Kyle Hartman, who has made an immediate impact since joining the team after training camp.
In goal, it has been a two man race, as Jimmy Thomas and Brock Thompson, have together filled the big shoes left by Penn State recruit, three year starter and two time Dineen Cup Champion, Chris Funkey.
You can follow all the Hitmen action online at www.fasthockey.com
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