ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Johnstown Tomahawks opened the 2017-18 NAHL season with a 4-2 road loss to the Northeast Generals Wednesday afternoon at the New England Sports Center.
The Generals grabbed an early 1-0 lead after Mike Egan potted a loose puck behind Tomahawks goalie Vinnie Purpura. Colin McCabe registered the lone assist.
Northeast added to their advantage when Brady Gaudette scored at the 8:22 mark of the first period.
Neither team yielded goals in the second frame as both Purpura and Generals netminder David Fessenden made quality stops on scoring chances.
Johnstown entered the third period down two goals and got to work trying to cut the deficit.
The Tomahawks scored their first goal of the game at 8:08 of the third when Mitch Hale capitalized on a rebound opportunity on the power play to make the score 2-1. Logan Stork picked up the helper.
Later in the third period, the Generals regained the two-goal advantage when Patrick Harrington found the back of the net.
However, Johnstown quickly responded.
On the power play, defenseman Hunter Carrick’s wrist shot deflected off a Northeast skater and behind Fessenden to cut the Generals lead to 3-2. Carrick’s first NAHL goal was assisted by Andy Iehle.
Johnstown fell just short of tying the game as Northeast captain Colin Bilek sealed the game at 4-2 with an empty net goal.
Purpura stopped 27 of 30 Northeast shots on goal in defeat.
Both teams are back in action Thursday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. to continue the series. Johsntown opens the 2017-18 home portion of their schedule on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial. October 14 is Hawktoberfest Opening Night presented by 1st Summit Bank, which begins at 5 p.m. Individual tickets are now available by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the 1st Summit Arena box office.
