SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels and New Jersey Titans will meet for a pivotal home-and-home East Division series this weekend, starting Friday at Hollydell Ice Arena and concluding Saturday at Middletown Sports Complex. Philadelphia (5-9-0-1) enters the series on a six-game losing streak, having scored just seven goals during that span.
Forward Johnny Conlin returned to the lineup Tuesday against Maryland in a 2-0 loss and leads the team with 14 points on seven goals and seven assists. Charlie Spencer ranks second with 13 points, while Alex Lunski has 10 points. Ryan Bunting, who has six goals and four assists on the season, has missed the last three games, leaving Philadelphia to rely on other forwards for scoring support.
The Rebels recently added forward Benson Grande, the team’s first-round pick (No. 11 overall) in the 2025 NAHL Draft. Grande is expected to bring size, skill, and additional offensive depth to a lineup struggling to convert scoring opportunities. His arrival gives the team another weapon up front as it looks to end its losing streak.
The Rebels are pleased to announce the addition of forward Benson Grande.
Welcome to the Rebellion, Benson! pic.twitter.com/0BO7MBfdZJ
— Philadelphia Rebels (@PhillyRebels) October 23, 2025
Defensively, captain Joe Stauber missed Tuesday’s game. Mikey Conlon has been a steady presence on the blue line, anchoring the Rebels’ defensive efforts alongside Drew Belleson, who contributes both offensively and defensively. Goaltender Ilja Nikitins has been a key component for Philadelphia, posting a 2.68 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in nine starts.
Special teams remain a challenge, as the Rebels rank near the bottom of the NAHL on the power play at 7.0 percent, but they have a penalty kill success rate of 77.9 percent. Philadelphia has managed some stability at home, going 3-5-0-1, while road games have been more challenging, with a 0-3-0-0 record.
New Jersey (6-2-1-2) comes in on a two-game winning streak following a 3-2 victory over the New Hampshire Mountain Kings on Oct. 18.
The Titans are led offensively by Blake Jones, who has 14 points with one goal and 13 assists, while Luke Schoen and Skogen Schrott each have nine points. Goaltender Tyler Rounds has been outstanding, posting a 1.65 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage.
New Jersey has also been strong on special teams, ranking 14th in the league on the power play at 19.2 percent and posting a 76.7 percent penalty kill success rate.
Keys to victory:
- Rebels: Generate consistent offensive pressure, take advantage of home ice, and get contributions from Conlin, Spencer, Lunski and newcomer Grande. Defensive consistency will be crucial, particularly if Stauber does not play.
- Titans: Maintain defensive discipline, protect the puck, and let Rounds continue to anchor the net. Leveraging special teams opportunities will be important against a Rebels team struggling on the man advantage.
This weekend marks the first meeting of the season between these East Division rivals, as Philadelphia will look to end its six-game losing streak. The series opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Sewell, with the rematch at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Middletown, N.J.