SOLDOTNA, AK –Three second period goals, and an impressive 41 save performance by Ryan Bednard gave the Tomahawks a 3-1 win over the Kenai River Brown Bears on Friday night at the Soldotna Sports Center. The win gives the Tomahawks a five-point cushion over fifth place Michigan, while keeping them within three points of Soo.
Zac Robbins opened up the scoring for the Tomahawks, taking a from Tanner Barnes inside the right face-of circle and firing a shot past the glove of Kenai River goaltender Evan Hauser 10:47 into the second period. Ian Spencer provided the initial pass, leading to the power-play goal.
Johnstown made it 2-0 later in the period, as a quick pass from Alex Alger was collected by Barnes, who put the puck between the post and the glove of Hauser at 14:33. Robbins also added an assist on the goal, giving him four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in his last five games.
The Tomahawks picked up their third goal of the period, as Alger and Barnes took advantage of a two-on-one opportunity with 22 seconds remaining. Alger provided his first Tomahawks goal, scoring between the legs of Hauser. Linkenheld set up the opportunity, giving him his seventh point against Kenai River this season.
Alex Jackstadt gave Kenai River its lone goal of the game 5:23 into the third period. Jeff Solow and Jack Gessert each added assists on the goal.
Bednard earned the win, stopping 41 of 42 shots. Hauser suffered the loss, allowing 24 goals on 27 shots. Johnstown finished 1-for-4 on the power-play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.
The Tomahawks conclude the weekend series against Kenai River Saturday night at 11:00 p.m. EST. The team travels to Fairbanks next weekend, before returning home to take on Michigan March 7-8. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com or call 814-536-4625.