With a 4-1 win over the Connecticut Jr. Rangers on March 10, the Jersey Hitmen clinched the Founders Cup for their fifth straight season – and five out of the six total NCDC seasons since the league’s inception in 2017.
The Hitmen had a threat to their crown late from the second place P.A.L. Jr. Islanders, who had three games in hand on the Hitmen going into Friday, but the Hitmen were five points ahead. Just one more win was all it would take – and the Hitmen’s win over the Rangers put them one point out of reach even if P.A.L. were to go 3-0 down the stretch (and P.A.L. entered Friday on a seven-game point streak of 6-0-0-1).
Hitmen Head Coach Toby Harris was highly complimentary of his team and their resolve to make sure they could hold on to home ice for as long as they pursue what would be their third straight Dineen Cup title should they win throughout the upcoming playoffs.
“I really appreciate our team’s perseverance this season. It has not been easy,” said Harris. “There are a lot of great players both on this roster and throughout this league – great teams and great coaches in the NCDC especially in the South Division. We are really looking forward to the playoffs and seeing this team push themselves to the limit. We still have a lot in the tank and a lot to prove.”
The playoffs will begin on Wednesday in the North Division. The Hitmen, at No. 1, were still awaiting which team would clinch the fourth position in the South Division.
