Game Preview
Port Huron Fighting Falcons vs. Johnstown Tomahawks
November 2, 2013
7 p.m.
Cambria County War Memorial Arena, Johnstown PA
By Ed Sheets
THE SERIES
The Johnstown Tomahawks and Port Huron Fighting Falcons meet this weekend for the first time since the opening weekend of the season. The Fighting Falcons defeated the Tomahawks 3-1 on opening night, getting goals from Austin Romzek, Conner Enciso, and Mitch Maloney. The Tomahawks lone goal was scored by Zach Wallace at 8:43 of the first period. In the weekend finale on Sept. 15, Port Huron won 5-1.
The Tomahawks are 3-7-3 overall against the Fighting Falcons, including a 1-4-2 record in games played at the War Memorial. Following this weekend’s games, the Tomahawks and Fighting Falcons meet again Nov. 22 & 23.
THE TOMAHAWKS
The Tomahawks continue their 11-game homestand and look to gain ground on the division-leading Fighting Falcons. The Tomahawks are tied with Soo for fourth place in the NAHL North division, six points behind Port Huron. A pair of wins this weekend would push the Tomahawks closer to the top of the division.
The Tomahawks leading scorers are Brandon Reinholz with 12 points (5-7-12) and Joe Drabin with 11 points (4-7-11). In their last five games, the two have combined for 11 points (4-7-11). Goaltender Alex Okicki has been solid in net for the Tomahawks, compiling a 6-3-0 record in his last nine games, including a shutout win over Soo last Friday night.
Following this weekend’s games, the Tomahawks welcome Springfield to the War Memorial next Friday & Saturday nights.
THE FIGHTING FALCONS
Port Huron enters this weekend’s game after splitting a pair of games against Michigan last weekend. The Fighting Falcons lead second place Springfield by four points .
The Fighting Falcons offense is led by Mitch Maloney with 15 points. Maloney leads the team in points and goals. Both goaltenders Max Milosek and Alex Blankenburg have been effective for the Fighting Falcons, combining for a 10-2-3 record and a 2.40 GAA.
Following this weekend’s games, Port Huron returns home to take on the Soo Eagles next Friday and Saturday.
KEY STATS
· The Tomahawks are 3-1 in shootout games this season. The Fighting Falcons are 3-2 in shootout games
· Johnstown has outscored its opponents 19-11 in the second period.
· The Tomahawks and Fighting Falcons combined for 151 penalty minutes in their first series this season. This total included nine fighting majors and three game ejections.
· Johnstown is 4-2-1 and Port Huron is 5-2-3 in one-goal games.