PBA members cheer for another goal by Jersey’s Strongest. Fans also cele-
brated the victory by following one of the great hockey traditions: tossing
an octopus onto the ice.
nice to have a good showing in front of the PBA members.”
Jersey’s Strongest clung to a 2-1 lead until the 4:25 mark of
the first period, when the top line of Madison Borough Local
92 speedster Travis Daniel, Neptune City Officer and Local 50
member Damien Broschart and State Corrections Local 105
member Chris Connor strutted its stuff. They combined for five
of the next seven goals, including a showstopper from Daniel in
which he faked an opposing defenseman and the FDNY/EMS
goalie twice with what he called, “A little toe drag.”
It was also moments like Ritter squeezing a pass to New
Jersey Transit Police Local 304 member Jon Erd for a goal that
highlighted Jersey’s Strongest supreme skill. Likewise on the
play when Asbury Park Local 6 member Anthony Houlis set up
Morris County Sheriff’s Department Local 151 member Kevin
Helmlinger to net a slapshot that made the score 10-1 midway
through the second period.
Taco noted that the team has become an “offensive jugger-
naut,” since he brought in his friend Nick Skerlick, who coaches
the under-18 affiliate team for the New Jersey Titans of the North
American Hockey League, to provide some organization for Jer-
sey’s Strongest. Skerlick explained how he has put in a system
to allow the players to express their skill, and he has been im-
pressed by how natural it has been for law enforcement officers.
“The fact that they are law enforcement officers makes it bet-
ter because their attention to detail is so good,” Skerlick added.
“They understand the structure and they understand the regi-
men because they go to work every day and put on the badge to
protect everyone out there.”
By the start of the third period starting goaltender Joe Aliseo of
Elizabeth Local 4 had completed his duties for the day. He skat-
ed off to the dressing room and returned with some cold bev-
erages to help the team hydrate from all the energy expended.
A hero’s reception then awaited. Ritter was headed out to din-
ner with members of his Local and surrounding Bergen Coun-
ty Locals. Local 249 made Patterson the guest of honor at the
Burlington County Corrections hospitality suite. And Daniel re-
ceived the best greeting of all: His grandmother, who drove him
to hockey practice when he was an up-and-coming youth play-
er, waited with a hug.
“That’s why this has become a marquee type of game,” Dime-
glio confirmed. “It’s become very popular with the convention,
and it’s just awesome.”
www.njcopsmagazine.com
■ MARCH 2019 49