The Johnstown Tomahawks and Keystone Ice Miners needed 20 shootout rounds to settle their game on Saturday night at the Ice Mine. In the end, Keystone picked up the extra point with a 2-1 victory. The Tomahawks finished the weekend series with three of a possible four points.
After a scoreless first period, Brady Bender got the Tomahawks on the board 51 seconds into the second period. Zac Robbins and Luke Lynch each earned assists on Bender’s second goal of the season.
Later in the period, Jon Hall tied the game for the Ice Miners with his seventh goal of the season. Taylor Fernandez and Jacob Coleman got the assists on the goal at 15:59.
In the shootout, neither team got on the board until the third round, when Luke Lynch got the Tomahawks on the board. Austin Romzek kept the shootout alive for the Ice Miners, scoring in the fifth round.
Things remained the same for the next nine rounds, when both Alex Jaeckle and Alex Archibald scored. Brady Bender and Cameron Smith each scored in round 18, before Coleman scored the game-winner in round 20.
Alex Blankenburg earned the win, stopping 28 of 29 shots in regulation and 17 of 20 shots in the shootout. Ryan Bednard put up an impressive performance in the loss, stopping 31 of 32 shots in regulation and 16 of 20 shots in the shootout. The Tomahawks and Ice Miners went a combined 0-for-6 on the power play.
The Tomahawks return to action Dec. 30 and 31, hosting Fairbanks at the Cambria County War Memorial. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com or call 814-536-4625.