MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Johnstown Tomahawks defeated the New Jersey Titans 5-3 Friday night at Middletown Ice World.
The Johnstown offense wasted little time in producing its first goal. Twenty seconds into the first frame, Dalton Hunter ripped a wrist shot past the left pad of Titans goaltender Brandon Bussi that was deflected in by Donovan Ott to give Johnstown a 1-0 lead.
The Tomahawks dictated the pace of the play in the first and were rewarded with another goal midway through the period when Tiernan Seningen found Andy Iehle open in the slot. Iehle’s wrist shot found its way behind Bussi to put Johnstown in front 2-0.
In the second period, Johnstown increased its lead to 3-0 when Samuel Solensky’s shot rung off the posted and went behind Bussi. Hayden Rowan picked up an assist on the marker.
The goal chased Bussi from the Titans net in favor of back-up Jordan Severo.
New Jersey solved Tomahawks goalie Britt League six minutes later after a Tomahawks turnover was capitalized on by forward Anthony Cusanelli. Danny Weaver helped on the marker.
Johnstown would benefit from a double-minor Titans penalty as Hunter scored with 5:20 left in the second period. His power play marker was assisted by Zak Galambos and Filips Buncis.
Galambos chipped in a goal of his own two minutes later on the power play with Hunter and Nick Bruce picking up the assists.
The Titans rounded out the scoring in the second period with a breakaway goal from Kyle Perkowski.
Johnstown went into the second intermission leading the Titans 5-2.
The Tomahawks would deny several key scoring chances from New Jersey until Weaver poked a puck through the pads of League at 5:20 of the third period. However, it would be the closest the Titans would get as Johnstown picked up the 5-3 win.
With the 26-save win, League moved his overall record to 4-0-0 on the season. Bussi registered the loss while saving 36 of 39 shots.
Johnstown continues its three-game road trip in New Jersey with a 7:30 p.m. faceoff Saturday night in Middletown.