Purpura Shuts The Door on Minnesota

Sep 22, 2016

BLAINE, Minn – The Johnstown Tomahawks used a 22-save performance from their goaltender to defeat the Minnesota Wilderness 3-0 at Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota Thursday afternoon.

The Tomahawks scored the game’s first goal 24 seconds into the first period when Tommy Horn finished a two-on-one break for his second goal of the season. Hayden Rowan picked up the assist.

Filips Buncis increased the Tomahawks lead to 2-0 with his first goal of the season. Dalton Hunter assisted on the marker.

Tomahawks goalie Vinnie Purpura became the story of the game as he batted away quality Wilderness chances throughout the second and third period.

Johnstown held the fort defensively and protected the net around Purpura.

Late in the third period, the Tomahawks put the game out of reach with an empty-net goal from Hayden Rowan. For Rowan, the goal was his first as a Tomahawk and was assisted by Samuel Solensky and Tommy Horn.

Purpura earned his second win of the season to move his record to 2-0-0 on the young season. He stopped all 22 shots he faced.

Wilderness goalie Luke Kania sustained the loss in a 33-save performance.

The Tomahawks face off against the Austin Bruins in day three of the NAHL showcase Friday morning at 11a.m.