SEWELL, N.J. — The New Jersey Titans completed a weekend sweep of the Philadelphia Rebels with a 4–1 victory Saturday night at Hollydell Ice Arena, using a strong second period and steady goaltending from Tyler Rounds to secure the win.
New Jersey struck first in the opening frame, taking a 1–0 lead into the intermission before breaking the game open with three goals in the second period. The Titans outscored Philadelphia 3–1 in the middle frame and closed out the contest with a scoreless third to improve to 17-9-1-2 on the season.
Philadelphia’s lone goal came in the second period from Jake Schultz, who finished a play set up by Broxton Ingle to cut into the deficit briefly. The goal for Schultz marked the first in his NAHL career. However, the Titans responded quickly and never relinquished control.
Owen Leahy led the way for New Jersey with two goals, while Blake Jones and Nikolas Doumas also found the back of the net. Skogen Schrott contributed two assists, and Jake Jarrell added a pair of helpers from the blue line.
Between the pipes, Tyler Rounds turned aside 28 of 29 shots to earn the win, while Ilja Nikitins got the start. Ben Varsa came in relief for Philadelphia.
The Rebels outshot the Titans 29–27, but New Jersey capitalized on key chances and went 1-for-2 on the power play, while Philadelphia finished 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
Physical play defined the contest, as the teams combined for 26 penalty minutes, including multiple coincidental minors late in the third period.
With the loss, Philadelphia falls to 12-15-1-5, while New Jersey moves to 17-9-1-2 on the season. The Rebels will look to regroup as they square off with New Hampshire on the road on January 2.