Mercer Chiefs 18U forward Puskar signs NAHL tender

The Mercer Chiefs of the NAPHL are pleased to announce that 18U AAA forward Jake Puskar has signed an NAHL tender agreement with the New Jersey Titans for the 2021-22 season.

Puskar, 19, has 16 points (8 goals and 8 assists) in 13 Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) games this past season, and he had three points (1 goal and 2 assists) in four North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) games. The 6’2”, 150 lb. native of Summit, NJ played two games at the end of the 2020-21 regular season for the Titans as an affiliate player.

“I’m really excited to join the Titans organization and looking forward to playing for Coach Doremus and in the NAHL. Can’t wait to get to work,” said Puskar.

“We are excited to add Jake to the mix for next season,” stated Titans head coach and general manager Craig Doremus. “Jake was an affiliate player this past year and spent a decent amount of time with our team participating in various practices throughout the year.  He made a great impression with the staff from the very first day.  He was able to get into two games as an affiliate player later in the year and showed well in both games.  We think he is another quality forward to add to our team and we look forward to seeing him on the ice at main camp in July.”

Click here for a list of 2020-21 NAPHL tenders

A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted ten (10) tenders, which include two (2) tenders exclusively used on players from the NAPHL - plus or minus any trades - which became active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the 2021 NAHL Draft.