The Johnstown Tomahawks scored first and often on Teddy Bear Toss Night, defeating Keystone 5-1 on Friday Night at the Cambria County War Memorial.
Late in the first period, Luke Lynch got the Tomahawks on the board, taking a pass from Cam Bleck and sliding the puck from past Keystone goaltender Alex Blankenburg into the right corner with 1:08 remaining on the clock. The goal triggered a barrage of teddy bears flying out of the stands and onto the ice. The toys were gathered up and donated to Cuddles For Kids.
Keystone tied the game 4:33 into the second period, as Taylor Fernandez deflected the puck past Tomahawks goaltender Ryan Bednard.
Ian Spencer regained the lead for the Tomahawks later in the second, firing a slap shot from the blue line past Blankenburg for his first goal of the season at 8:53.
Early in the third period, Lynch picked up his second of the game, coming out of the penalty box and scoring on a breakaway 44 seconds into the period. Trevor Recktenwald provided the pass that led to the goal.
Cam Bleck made it a three-goal lead, scoring 8:48 into the third. Joe Drabin and Recktenwald each added assists on the goal.
Tanner Barnes added the fifth goal for Johnstown, chipping the puck past the left side of Blankenburg at 13:25. Joe Drabin and Recktenwald each provided opportunities that led to the Barnes deflection.
Bednard earned the win, stopping 19 of 20 shots. Blankenburg allowed five goals on 35 shots in the loss.
The Tomahawks travel to Keystone tomorrow night, before returning home to take on Fairbanks Dec. 30 and 31. For more information, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com or call 814-536-GOAL.