Game Preview
Johnstown vs. Austin
Regular Season Game #4 NAHL Showcase Game #3
The Tomahawks will look to rebound on Friday, as they face the Austin Bruins in their third NAHL Showcase contest. Johnstown faced Austin in the 2012 showcase, with the Bruins winning 5-4 in overtime, after Mitch Kontny tied the game for the Tomahawks with seven seconds remaining in regulation.
The Tomahawks
The Tomahawks were shut out by the Topeka Roadrunners on Thursday morning, 4-0, evening up their showcase record at 1-1.
Daniel Rzavsky, Jasen Fernsler, Ryan Polin, and Yu Hikosaka each scored for the Roadrunners, with Rzavsky and Fernsler’s goals coming with the man advantage.
Matej Tomek earned the win, stopping all 27 shots. Ryan Bednard took the loss, stopping 18 of 22 shots. Topeka wenr 2-for-7 on the power play, while the Tomahawks went 0-for-7.
The Tomahawks conclude their showcase schedule against Odessa Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. EST.
The Bruins
The Bruins have won their first two showcase games, both against north division opponents. The Bruins defeated Michigan 5-2 on Wednesday, before shutting out Keystone 4-0 yesterday.
Brian Bachnak, Cory Dunn, and Trevor Boyd each have three points for the Bruins through the first two games. Goaltender Zach Driscoll earned the win in the first game, while Jake Kielly picked up the shutout win in game two.
The Bruins are the defending Robertson Cup runners-up, falling to Fairbanks in the finals last season. The Bruins have won the central division the past two seasons, and have made the playoffs in three of their four seasons.
Austin concludes its showcase schedule against Fairbanks on Saturday night.
North Division
After finishing day one of the showcase with a 4-2 record, the north division teams fell in five of the six games on Thursday. The lone win came from the Soo Eagles, who defeated Minot 3-1. Soo and Janesville are tied for the division lead with four points, while Keystone sits in third place with three points. Johnstown and Springfield are tied for fourth with two points, while Michigan is looking for its first win of the season.
Facts & Notes
· Austin was 21st last season in power-play percentage last season, averaging 12.36%.
· The Tomahawks are 4-3-1 all-time in games following a shutout loss.
· Austin (305) and Johnstown (289) were second and third in the league for the most times shorthanded.
· The Tomahawks are 1-1 all-time in Friday games at the NAHL Showcase.
· Johnstown has the third most power-play opportunities this season (15).
· Tonight’s game is Johnstown’s last against the central division this season.