
Nick Siffringer was in training camp two months ago preparing to begin his second season with the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League when he received unexpected news. The 19-year-old forward from Franklin Lakes, N.J., had been dealt to the Jamestown Rebels.
“I was shocked at first because I didn’t think as a returning player that would happen, especially at the beginning of the year,” remembered Siffringer, who totaled 12 points (4-8-12) in 39 regular-season games and two points (1-1-2) in five Robertson Cup playoff contests last season. “It was tough, too, because I had gained many friendships with some of my teammates, some of the billets, our fans, our trainer and our coach, Dan Wildfong. But then I was excited because I was going to be closer to home and have an opportunity to be an older guy and a leader on a younger team with less experience.”
The perks of the trade came almost immediately for the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder. Just a month into this campaign, the Rebels visited the New Jersey Titans for a two-game set, giving the Garden State native a chance to once again play on home-state soil, which he didn’t get to do with the Brahmas.
“My dad, Dave, is from Middletown, and we talked about how funny it is that I’m playing a junior game here now,” said Siffringer, who as of Nov. 5 has four points (1-3-4) in 18 matches this season. “When he grew up, there was only a roller rink.”