JOHNSTOWN, PA – The Johnstown Tomahawks entered Friday night’s game needing a win or a Michigan loss to clinch a Robertson Cup playoff berth. Michigan defeated Soo in a shootout, while the Tomahawks fell to the Keystone Ice Miners 2-1 at The Ice Mine.
The Tomahawks return home for the final game of the regular season with a one-point lead over Michigan for the final playoff spot.
Jacob Coleman got the Ice Miners on the board first, scoring at 13:04 of the first period. AJ Coleman added the assist on the goal. Taylor Fernandez extended the lead for Keystone, scoring 1:35 into the second period.
Less than three minutes later, Tanner Barnes got the Tomahawks on the board with his 11th of the season. Collin Montgomery added an assist on the goal.
With just two minutes remaining in regulation, Alex Alger had an opportunity to tie the game with a penalty shot. Unfortunately, Keystone goaltender Alex Blankenburg was able to reach up and make the save, preserving the 2-1 lead.
Blankenburg earned the win, stopping 27 of 28 shots. Jake Gwillim took the loss, stopping 35 of 37 shots. The Tomahawks 0-for-6 on the power-play and 6-for-6 on the penalty kill.
The Tomahawks close out the regular season Saturday night, hosting Keystone at 7 p.m. A win or a Michigan loss will give Johnstown its third consecutive playoff berth. To purchase tickets, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com, call 1-800-745-3000, or get them at the War Memorial Box Office.