will we ever win?

Trenton Likes Violence

VOORHEES - Todd Fedoruk's eyes sparkled when he was informed the Trenton Titans are bringing in extra security for tonight's Flyers-New Jersey Devils preseason game at Sovereign Bank Arena.

The "Fridge" remembers a few years back when, as a member of the Titans, he discovered how passionate hockey fans from Mercer, Bucks and surrounding counties can get about the game.

Fedoruk's been roughing it up for a few years in the NHL but when he and minor-league tough guys like Jesse Boulerice patrolled Trenton, the action was no less intense.

"We fought a lot ... the team [the Flyers] wanted us to go down there and work on the physical aspects of our game," Fedoruk grinned. "And that's what we did."

This year's annual preseason game should have even more energy than usual.

The Devils, Philadelphia's cross-New Jersey rival, are making their first appearance. There are only about 700 tickets left available for the game at the 7,600-seat SBA and there should be plenty of support in the stands for both teams.

That's why some extra guards will be on duty.

Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock confirmed yesterday that Fedoruk will be in the lineup. He probably will have his own cheering section.

"We just scrapped a bunch and Trenton really loved it," Fedoruk said of his 17-game stint in 1999-2000. "They had signs for us all the time and nicknames for us. They love hockey there, fighting probably brought a lot of the crowd in. That's why they remember me."

Route 1 is sort of the Mason-Dixon Line between Flyers and Devils countries. Trenton sits right on the border.

"That's the cutoff line," Fedoruk agreed. "They [Titans fans] are rowdy fans, just like Philly fans."

Titans president and general manager Rich Lisk thinks this game will have even more pizzazz than four previous annual battles involving the Flyers and New York Islanders, who shared a working agreement to supply Trenton with players until the Islanders and Trenton parted ways this season.

"Everyone gets geared up when the Flyers come into town," Lisk said. "The bonus of having the Devils against them is always exciting. You hope that one of the guys who played here before [such as Fedoruk] plays and that adds to the excitement also."

When a Todd Fedoruk or Ruslan Fedotenko makes it to the NHL, it gives the Titans both credibility and a boost at the gate.

"It helps us with our recruiting process for the year with our kids," Lisk said. "We can say we put nine guys in the NHL and [former Trenton coach] Bruce Cassidy is now coaching Washington and that can make players want to come here."