Your Johnstown Tomahawks are back at home for a three-game set against the Northeast Generals Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18 at 1ST SUMMIT ARENA @ Cambria County War Memorial as they battle to stay alive in the East Division playoff race. This will be the final meeting between the two clubs, and the first time since mid-January where Northeast took two of three games in Johnstown.
The Generals currently sit in fourth in the division with 51 points. They ride into the weekend on a cold streak, going 3-6-0-1 in their last ten games. They can look to rebound with the aide of Jeff Skinner, who recorded two points in their previous weekend series against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights, including the lone Generals’ goal in their 4-1 loss to the Knights on March 5. Matt Demelis also had a productive series, recording three points – including a goal and two assists, with a goal and assist guiding the Generals in their lone win of the series – a 5-2 victory on March 4.
The Tomahawks currently are fifth in the East Division, one spot out of the playoffs and one spot behind Northeast; a series sweep would put the Hawks three points behind the Generals, putting a playoff berth even further within reach. They ride into the weekend fresh off a series win over the New Jersey Titans, where they took two games out of three, including two 3-2 overtime victories, last weekend at Middletown Ice World Arena.
Sam Solensky continues to thrive this season, registering six points – including two goals and four assists during Johnstown’s series with New Jersey, bringing his total to 41 points in 41 games on the year. Additionally, Solensky was honored as the East Division 2nd Star of the Week for his performance.
Jack Leavy continues to be solid in between the pipes, earning both wins over the weekend. Although backup netminder Kade Phipps could make an appearance this weekend, as he returned to action following an injury when he came in to relieve Leavy in the final minute of the first, where he played for the remainder of the Tomahawks’ series-opening 7-2 loss to the Titans.
Friday night is FIGHT NIGHT in Johnstown for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop. The night will be highlighted by appearances from former WWF Intercontinental Champion the Honky Tonk Man, Professional Wrestling Hall of Famer Dominic DeNucci, and former Pittsburgh Penguins enforcer François Leroux, who will all be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs during the game. Additionally, the first 1,500 fans will take home a souvenir poster courtesy of Valley Printing.
Saturday’s 7 p.m. matchup is also St. Patrick’s Day, with game festivities all presented by Von’s United Beverage. The night will feature Celtic music and even green beer! Bobbleheads of Johnstown hockey legend Don Hall will also be given away.
Sunday’s game is the Tomahawks’ annual Pucks and Paws game, which features a special 3 p.m. puck drop. The Tomahawks will don specialty jerseys for the occasion courtesy of Cambria Veterinary Care, and you can bring man’s best friend to the game for only $5! A dog food drive will also be on hand, with proceeds from the drive and dog ticket sales benefiting the Cambria County Humane Society.
Lots of entertainment will be here throughout the weekend. Don’t miss out on this second-to-last home series of the season! Get your tickets now!