Game Preview
Soo Eagles vs. Johnstown Tomahawks
October 24, 2013 7 p.m.
Cambria County War Memorial Arena, Johnstown PA
By Ed Sheets
THE SERIES
Tonight, the Tomahawks and Soo Eagles begin a three-game weekend series at the War Memorial. The teams last met Sept. 27-29 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. On Sept. 27, the Eagles scored three first period goals as part of a 5-2 victory. The Tomahawks goals were scored by Jordan Watt at 10:47 of the second period, and Brandon Reinholz at 8:17 of the third period. Colin DeAugustine took the loss, allowing three goals on ten shots in 17:16. Alex Okicki finished the game, stopping 28 of 30 shots.
In the second game of the weekend, Soo jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of first period goals. Johnstown battled back, with Omar Mullan cutting the deficit to one at 11:26 of the second period, and Shane Bednard netting the equalizer with 4:50 remaining in the third period. After a scoreless overtime period, Zach Wallace gave the Tomahawks a 3-2 victory in the seventh round of the shootout. Alex Okicki picked up the win, stopping 26 of 28 shots in regulation and all seven shots in the shootout.
In the weekend finale, Jordan Watt scored twice, including a penalty shot goal with 2:09 remaining in the third period, to give the Tomahawks a 2-0 victory. For the second straight game, Alex Okicki earned the win, stopping all 28 shots he faced.
Following this weekend, the Tomahawks and Eagles will meet Jan. 3-5 in Michigan.
THE TOMAHAWKS
The Tomahawks enter this weekend with 15 points, tied with Springfield and Michigan in the NAHL North Division. They trail division leading Port Huron by five points.
Johnstown enters this weekend’s games after splitting a pair of games with the Michigan Warriors Oct. 11-12 in Flint. On Oct. 11, the Tomahawks and Warriors each scored a pair of goals, before Alec Pellegrino scored for the Warriors at 10:35 of the third period. Johnstown’s two goals came from Mitch Hall at 6:13 of the second period and Joe Drabin at 1:55 of the third period.
In the second game, the Tomahawks defeated the Warriors 4-3 in a shootout. Johnstown’s Matthew Meier, Alex Jaeckle, and Ryan McNeely scored in regulation, and Omar Mullan, Shane Bednard, and Zach Wallace scored in the shootout. Okicki stopped 33 of 36 shots in regulation, and three of four in the shootout.
Brandon Reinholz leads the team with nine points (4-5-9). Jordan Watt and Omar Mullan are tied with five goals each. Alex Okicki leads the team in wins, saves, GAA, and save percentage.
Following this weekend’s games, the Tomahawks welcome Port Huron for a weekend series, Nov. 2-3.
THE EAGLES
The Eagles enter this weekend’s game in fifth place in the North Division. They trail the Tomahawks by two points in the standings and Port Huron by seven points. They also lead last place Janesville by two points.
Last weekend, the Eagles welcomed the Wenatchee Wild to Pullar Stadium for a pair of games. In the first game, Soo scored four goals in the second and third periods to defeat Wenatchee 5-4. The Eagles goals were scored by AJ Jarosz, Denver Pierce, Mike Sabatini, Ryan Urso, and Chase Matson. Matson’s goal at 6:13 of the third period was the game-winner. Colin Brennan earned the win, stopping 31 of 35 shots.
In the second game, Soo picked up the sweep with a 3-2 overtime win. It appeared that Wenatchee was on its way to a win, holding a 2-1 lead late in the third period. Jacob McDowell scored with 26 seconds remaining in the third period to send the game into overtime. In overtime, Denver Pierce scored at 4:10 to give the Eagles the win.
Ryan Urso leads the Eagles with 10 points (3-7-10) and Jacob McDowell holds the team lead with six goals. Paige Skoog leads with three wins in net and a GAA of 2.51. Colin Brennan leads the team with a .916 save percentage.
Following this weekend’s games, Soo returns home to take on the MN Wilderness next weekend.
KEY STATS
- The Tomahawks are 5-0-0 when leading after the second period, and 4-1-1 in one goal games.
- Jordan Watt has three goals in three games against the Eagles.
- Tonight’s game is the first of eleven straight home games for the Tomahawks.