GREENSBURG – The Johnstown Tomahawks captured a 4-3 victory in a back and forth preseason contest over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Friday night at Kirk S. Nevin Arena in Greensburg, Pa.
The Knights cracked the scoreless tie early in the first period with a goal from Tino Alunni. The goal was assisted by Joe Campolieto.
Johnstown tied the contest minutes later with a goal from returner Tommy Horn. Riley Doyon and Cameron Smith picked up the helpers.
In the second period, Johnstown grabbed the lead with a Nick Bruce goal early. Doyon picked up his second assist of the night on the marker.
Josh Norman increased the Tomahawks lead to 3-1 with a marker of his own.
Before the second period concluded, the Knights pulled within one goal when Sam Antonitsch’s shot found its way past Tomahawks goalie Ryan Glander.
The third period saw the intensity pick up from both teams as the Knights and Tomahawks exchanged body checks and close calls.
The Knights tied the game minutes into the third frame with another Antonitsch goal but that was answered when Bruce found room past Wilkes-Barre/Scranton goalie Colt Hanks.
Bruce’s second of the night was assisted by Doyon and set the final at 4-3.
Glander stooped 11 of 14 shots in the victory while Hanks halted 16 of 20.
The Tomahawks are back in action with a preseason game against the Eastern Hockey League’s New York Applecore at Indiana, Pa. Faceoff is set for 5 p.m.