Titans Captain DeBueriis makes NCAA Commitment

The New Jersey Titans are proud to announce the commitment of captain Dante DeBueriis to Western Connecticut State University.  He becomes the twelfth Titan from the NA3HL squad to commit to a collegiate program in the five year history of the program, and the first from the 2024-25 team.  The Western Connecticut State University Wolves are making the jump to the NCAA Division III level in the fall for their inaugural season after competing in the ACHA over the past 20+ seasons.  They are led by former NHLer Doug Friedman, previously on the staff of Boston University, and call Danbury Arena home.  

“I’m excited and grateful to have this opportunity to continue my hockey career and studies at WestConn,” said Debueriis. He continued,  “Playing at the NCAA Division III level, I aspire to grow as a player but a student-athlete as well. Coach Friedman has made me very comfortable with making the transition from junior to college hockey. I’d like to thank my Mom and Dad, my family, and my friends for all of their support throughout the years. I also want to thank Andrey, Havvy, Ylly and the entire Titans organization for everything they have done for me over the past three years.”

The Port Washington, New York native made his junior hockey debut with the Titans in the 2022-23 season, joining New Jersey from the Westchester Express program as an 18 year old.  Scoring his first goal on October 15th, 2022 in a 6-5 overtime victory against the Bay State Bobcats, the defenseman would go on to record 10 points in 46 games in his first season. He would go on to set a career high with 17 assists and 23 points in the following season, before being named as the fifth captain in team history last August.  Debueriis wrote his name atop New Jersey’s franchise leaders for games played this past season when he suited up for the 95th time in a Titans uniform on September 28th against the Maine Nordiques, celebrating with a goal and an assist.  The captain also earned his first call-up to the NAHL when he dressed for the Titans on November 9th against the Philadelphia Rebels.  Ultimately, the future WestConn Wolf logged 138 games in his three seasons, with 14 goals and 40 assists.  His 40 assists rank second in franchise history, and his 54 points ranks fourth.

“I am so proud of Dante making his commitment to play college hockey,” said Head Coach and General Manager Andrey Kapranov.  “It is a just reward for someone who has been so important to this team for the last three seasons.  He earned the ‘C’ on his jersey with his leadership both on and off the ice.  This season especially, I knew I could use him on the power play, penalty kill, really any situation and the team would be better with him on the ice.  We wish him the best of luck in the future of his hockey career.”

Click here for an updated NA3HL to College commitment list