Three-Goal Period Sinks Tomahawks in Game One

Apr 29, 2016

ASTON, Pa – An early first period deficit proved too much for the Johnstown Tomahawks as they fell 5-2 in game one of the East Division Finals at Aston Friday night.

Aston got on the scoreboard first when Eric Carreras corralled a puck and fired behind Tomahawks goaltender Andrew Lindgren.

The Rebels gained a two-goal advantage when Andrew Bellant fired a wrist shot past Lindgren midway through the first period.

Johnstown cut the lead to 2-1 with a Ryan Burr power play goal assisted by Casey Linkenheld. For Burr, it was his first goal of the playoffs.

Kristofers Bindulis scored with less than 8 minutes to play in the first to give the Rebels a 3-1 lead going into the first intermission

Dean Balsamo increased the Aston advantage to 4-1 with a goal in the second period.

The Tomahawks solved Hanson late in the third period when Brendan Jaquay fired home a rebound. Jaquay scored his first of the playoffs and it was assisted by Coffman.

With the goalie pulled, the Rebels set the final at 5-2 with Bellant’s second goal of the night.

Lindgren, in defeat, saved 14 of 20 Rebels shots on goal. Hanson picked up the win, his fourth consecutive, and stopped 18 or 20.

The Tomahawks and Rebels are back on the ice for game two Saturday night at the IceWorks Complex in Aston, Pa. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.