By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
Tyler Fogu is a New Jersey hockey player through and through, playing nearly his entire career in his home state. The most recent Garden State team to benefit from the Bayonne, N.J., native’s experience and skills are the Jersey Hitmen.
After a strong 44-game regular season, in which he posted 29 points in 2023-24, Fogu has signed and returned to the Hitmen for another season. The 2004-born forward is definitely excited to get things kicked off at the Ice Vault in Wayne, N.J., this year.
“I love everything about the Jersey Hitmen. Being from New Jersey, it is a perfect spot for me to play!” said Fogu. “Our organization is run exactly like an NCAA Division 1 program. Our coaches have extensive knowledge of the game with plenty of resources. Our facilities and staff are first class and are always available as needed!”
The former Trinity-Pawling School Captain said that he was able to quickly make the jump to juniors, and now he can build on that first year in the NCDC.
“I thought my first year of juniors coming out of prep hockey was a successful one,” said Fogu, who also played for the Rockets Hockey Club and New Jersey Devils Youth in his youth career. “I adjusted to junior hockey quickly with the help of the previous coaches I had at Trinity-Pawling School. Unfortunately, I had a shortened year when I broke my foot and finger from blocked shots in mid-February. Leading up to my injuries, the team started to gel and went on an impressive run. I am looking forward to continuing the team’s success this season.”
The injury that Fogu suffered was one factor that played into his decision to re-sign with the Hitmen, to get another kick at a potential Dineen Cup run.
“After having a shortened year myself and watching the boys lose in the first round of playoffs, I knew we had so much more to give. We had an impressive run leading up to the playoffs,” he said. “Our core group knows what we can do, too, with most of our eligible players coming back as we get another crack at a Dineen Cup! There were a few opportunities for me to explore different junior leagues, but I truly believe in the Hitmen’s philosophies and my development while I am here.”
Fogu led the Hitmen in average ice time for forwards with 17:59, and he had he second most faceoff wins at 428. His 28 blocked shots were the second most among Hitmen forwards, as well, although the 28th led to the early end of his 2023-24 campaign.
“The speed of the game was a step up from prep school. Reading plays and controlling the play improved. In addition, face-offs have also improved. Being able to play both the power play and penalty kill has allowed me to be a well-rounded player that can be utilized in every situation,” said Fogu, about the steps his game took in 2023-24. “I always want to be more consistent with my offense. Being a power forward who plays both sides of the ice, I feel I can contribute more offensively consistently. Last year, I averaged a point a game and I am anticipating adding to that this year.”
Along with the excitement of pulling on the Carolina Blue jersey of the Hitmen once again, he is looking forward to another run through the NCDC gauntlet.
“Game in and game out you are getting the opportunity to play highly talented teams,” said Fogu, of the NCDC. “Showcases and most games are filled with scouts from multiple leagues and levels. With playing most of our games on the East Coast, we are surrounded by a large number of schools. In addition, the compete levels are always high and buying into the system is a must for success.”
With his all around game well in place already, this second season of NCDC hockey with the Hitmen will be a big one for Fogu in terms of attention from the collegiate level.
“I’ve had a couple talks with schools following last year in the NCDC. I’m really looking forward to continuing relationships and building new ones as the season kicks off. I’m looking for a school on the East Coast with a good balance of academics and hockey at the highest level I can play,” added Fogu. “That’s why I chose to return this year. I have had several conversations with the Hitmen coaching staff and we are on the same page on where they think I can play and where I know I can play. I am just looking forward to getting started this year and finalizing my next step, which would be my college career.”
The NCDC wishes Tyler Fogu and the Jersey Hitmen the very best of luck in the 2024-25 season.
