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Hitmen Turn Tables on IHC

By Jersey Hitmen Staff, 09/18/18, 7:30PM EDT

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Hitmen Turn Tables on IHC

 

Wayne, NJ - This past weekend the Jersey Hitmen NCDC opened the regular season at home against the 2018 defending Dineen Cup Champion, Islanders Hockey Club. After posting a 3-0 record in the pre-season, the Hitmen were ready and primed to gain a slight measure of revenge on the team that beat them in game 3 of the 2018 Dineen Cup Finals.

 

"That was last year," commented head coach Harris when asked about last years NCDC championship series and the rivalry between his Hitmen and the IHC. "This is a new club, a new season and we preach here to 'live in the moment.' That moment has passed, our veterans learned from it, but now we are on to the 2018-2019 NCDC season." Harris went on to say, "I really like this club. We have 3 excellent goaltenders, arguably the best D core, top to bottom, in the league and very skilled, gritty forwards."

 

In game one, Saturday night, newcomer, Michael Kane, stole the show. In the 4-1 victory, the Holy Cross recruit hit for the hockey cycle, registering a hat trick with an even strength goal, a power play goal and a short handed goal. Add to this miraculous feat, the game winning goal. Quite a start for the rookie from Guilford, CT.

 

In game two, Sunday afternoon, goaltender Ryan McInchak made up for lost time. Posting his first shut out of the season, and leading the Hitmen to a 2-0 win. Good for the weekend sweep! After playing just 4 games for the Hitmen in the 2017-2018 season, McInchak was injured in the SSK game at the Jr Bruins showcase. The injury turned out to be a season ending injury where McInchak had to under go microfracture surgery. "I was so happy for Ryan this weekend," said coach Harris. "Ryan could have easily packed it in, quit the game, and moved on with his life, but he didn't. Instead, he battled through, persevered and work hard at getting back to 100% months before the doctors forecasted. He worked his butt off in PT and it showed. This kid is a battler, this kid in special and we are very excited to see where he takes his game this year."  On the weekend, McInchak kicked out 46 of 47 IHC shots, earning a .50GAA and a .97 save percentage. 

 

This weekend the Hitmen travel to the Boston Jr Bruins showcase at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough MA kicking off the showcase versus the Northern Cyclones at 5:20pm on Saturday.