PHILADELPHIA – The Johnstown Tomahawks (8-7-3) were defeated by the Philadelphia Rebels (7-11-2) by a final score of 4-1 in regulation on Friday night. The Rebels were led by defenseman Marshall Swanson who recorded 1G and 2A. The Rebels also had four different players record multi-point nights. The Tomahawks lone goal was off the stick of captain Nick Jarmain who added to his impressive season thus far.
The opening frame got off to a measured start, with both teams settling in and trading early chances. The Tomahawks earned a power play just two minutes in, but the Rebels’ penalty kill held firm to keep the game scoreless. It’s been a recurring theme for Johnstown—early opportunities on the man advantage that haven’t turned into goals—and it came back to bite them again. Philadelphia broke through first, capitalizing midway through the period to take a 1-0 lead with 13 minutes remaining. The Tomahawks had another chance to respond on their second power play of the period and showed some better puck movement, but still couldn’t find the equalizer. The remainder of the frame saw limited offense on both ends, with shots narrowly in favor of Philadelphia, 8–7, as the Rebels carried a 1–0 lead into the first intermission
The second period opened much like the first — with both teams feeling each other out and trading low-danger chances early. Philadelphia once again struck first, finding the back of the net early in the frame to extend their lead to 2–0. Shortly after, the Tomahawks took their first penalty of the night, giving the Rebels a prime opportunity to widen the gap, but the Johnstown penalty kill came up strong to keep it a two-goal game. As play continued, neither side generated many high-quality looks, until a late power play gave the Tomahawks a spark. Just 27 seconds into the man advantage, captain Nick Jarmain buried a rebound from a Kalib Capecci point shot, with Emerson Marshall collecting the secondary assist, cutting the deficit to 2–1. This goal put the Hawks in a pretty good spot with still 25 minutes to play. But the momentum was short-lived. Less than a minute later, Philadelphia answered right back to restore their two-goal lead and take a 3–1 advantage into the intermission. Shots on goal through 40 minutes favored Johnstown, 21–15.
Trailing by two with twenty minutes to play, the Tomahawks needed a spark—but starting the period on the penalty-kill just thirty seconds in didn’t help their cause. Still, they managed to kill off the early penalty and stay within reach. Unfortunately, discipline became an issue as the period went on, with Johnstown taking three straight penalties within the first ten minutes. Despite holding a two-goal cushion, the Rebels kept the pressure on, firing pucks toward goaltender Zack Ferris, who stood tall to keep the Hawks alive. Midway through the frame, tempers flared, leading to a brief scrap that saw both players assessed five-minute majors and 10-minute misconducts, effectively ending their nights. Moments later, another Tomahawks player was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct and a game misconduct, further depleting the bench. Johnstown has made late comebacks before, but the clock and penalties worked against them. With under five minutes remaining, the Hawks took their fifth penalty of the game, giving Philadelphia a chance to close things out. While the Rebels didn’t convert on the power play, they capitalized moments after it expired—turning a neutral zone turnover into an odd-man rush and their fourth goal of the night. Philadelphia sealed the 4–1 win on home ice, despite being outshot by Johnstown, 28–22.
Your Johnstown Tomahawks will be back in action tomorrow night in Philadelphia to take on the Rebels for another game at Hollydell Ice Arena. Puck drop for Saturday’s contest will begin at 7:30PM. Get your tickets right now for the next home stand https://www.ticketmaster.com/johnstown-tomahawks-tickets/artist/1760594. Catch all of the action on NAHLTV and follow our social media accounts @tomahawkshockey to keep in the loop.
BY: DREW P. PFEIL