Titans Report with George Le Gresley

The Paris Titans Era Begins

Junior hockey is back in Paris, yes under a different name, but with an ownership and staff who are dedicated to bringing championships to your hometown. Tuesday night was the team’s first opportunity to practice on B.S.C. ice and Wednesday their first game on home ice against the Niagara River Hawks in front of a large enthusiastic crowd for an exhibition game.

The first period the Titans came out and played like it was indeed their first game of the season, getting a feel for playing on home ice, taking and missing shots on net.

The Titans Simon Otaki was the period’s only goal scorer for the home team with a beautiful shot from the point, going into the net “bar down” into the net.

Titan goalie Josh Roman had 9 shots on goal, taking away two great scoring opportunities from the opposition. Score after the first period Titans 1 River Hawks 0.

The second period intermission we saw something new, with the Sports Complex staff introducing their two Zamboni ice cleaning show, doing the job efficiently and in synch! Well done and cheers to the two operators.

The second period the Titans came out playing less tense as they had in the first, playing a more physical style of hockey, making great passes that netted four goals by Sam Collins, Ethan Ajjorado, Ethan Bush and Eric Tuori. Halfway through the period Ryan Burroughs took over the goaltending duties keeping Niagara off the scoreboard.

The third period featured a hard-hitting style of hockey and a very frustrated visiting team, ready and willing to drop their gloves and get into a fight. Although there were three fighting majors this period, I stopped counting at 4 or 5 bouts.

In spite of the pugilistic activities of the third period, the Niagara team managed to score a goal, making the final score Paris Titans 5 Niagara River Hawks 1.

The Titans debut was a good start to the exhibition season, giving the players an opportunity to finally play a real game after a summer of practice and the Titan staff a great opportunity to evaluate their line up. The team has four more exhibition games before their regular season home opener mid September.

There are two more exhibition home games to see how this team develops on Monday August 28 versus the Aylmer Spitfires and Wednesday August 30 versus the Hagersville Hawks, both with a 7:30 puck drop.