The Johnstown Tomahawks will be back in the 1ST SUMMIT Arena this weekend to play host to the Maine Nordiques. The Nordiques have gotten off to quite the hot start through 25 games, sporting a 16-7-2 record and sitting at 2nd place in the East Division. The Hawks currently find themselves seven points behind the Nords and four spots back in the East at 6th place with a 12-10-3 record.
A LOOK BACK AT LAST SEASON
Maine has been a part of the NAHL since 2019-2020. In their six full seasons played thus far, the Nordiques have only had two losing seasons, one in the inaugural season in 2019 and the second in 2021. Showing no signs of slowing down, the Nords have only gotten better after 2021, making the playoffs in three straight seasons while carrying an impressive 105-59-15 record. In 374 all-time games played, Maine holds a winning record of 198-144-32. The Tomahawks will move from one tough opponent in the Titans to another, as Maine will enter Friday night’s contest winners of three straight games. Just 5 points separate 6th from 9th place in the division, so as has been the case for the last two months or so, every point is crucial.
Last year the Tomahawks and Nordiques faced off six times, which is standard for most in-division matchups. The Tomahawks had a season series to forget, as Maine came out victorious five games to one. The first four games were played in Johnstown on Tomahawks ice while the last two were inside the Colisee in Maine. The two teams did both make the playoffs but did not face off. If the Tomahawks would have outlasted Rochester, they would have in-fact ended up facing the Nordiques in Round Two. Both teams seasons ultimately came to an end, at the hands of the Jr. Americans. It’s safe to say that Maine dominated the majority of the six games played last season outscoring the Tomahawks 16-8. out in relatively tight fashion with five of the eight finishing with wins by two goals or less. The biggest loss from either side came from a three-goal win for Maine in Johnstown. The Tomahawks did wrap the series on a positive note however, winning 2-1 on the road.
OCT 4TH – 5-3 L IN JOHNSTOWN
OCT 5TH – 2-1 L IN JOHNSTOWN
JAN 10TH – 1-0 L IN JOHNSTOWN
JAN 11TH – 4-1 L IN JOHNSTOWN
FEB 21ST – 3-1 L IN MAINE
FEB 22ND – 2-1 W IN MAINE
NORDIQUES WIN SEASON SERIES FIVE GAMES TO ONE
SEASON SERIES SO FAR
The two contests between the teams earlier in the season were as tight as you could get. Both needed extra time, and one required a shootout. The Tomahawks found themselves down late on Friday, but battled back with two goals to tie it and force overtime, ultimately losing 5-4. Saturday night was a nail biter from opening puck drop, to final buzzer. The scoreless 65 minutes pushed us into a shootout and Charlie Zetterkvist scored early in the shootout and Zack Ferris shut the door to preserve his shutout and the win.
2025-2026 KEYS TO THE MATCHUP
- Currently riding a streak of over 120+ minutes without registering a goal, the Tomahawks will need to score early to prove to themselves that they’re capable of bouncing back.
- The Nordiques are riding a three-game win streak and will look to continue their winning ways in Johnstown.
- The home crowd will have to play a huge role in helping the home team grab some valuable points in the standings.
- The Tomahawks remain rather top heavy in terms of scoring with Nick Jarmain(30) and Emerson Marshall(29) continuing to lead the way, as the next highest scorer has 17 points.
- The Nordiques leading scorer, Joe Gasperko has 23 points through 25 games, showcasing their team’s ability to score with depth throughout the lineup, and rely on team defense and goaltending (65GA through 25 games, #2 in East)
A big weekend is in store for the Tomahawks and you won’t want to miss any of the action! See you at the War!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! » https://www.ticketmaster.com/johnstown-tomahawks-tickets/artist/1760594
HOME FOUR THE HOLIDAYS PACKAGE OFFER
https://www.gofevo.com/group/Home4Holidays
The Johnstown Tomahawks are introducing our holiday deal, Home “Four” the Holidays! For 75 dollars (plus applicable fees), you’ll receive the following:-4 end zone tickets to your choice of these four games: December 5, 6, 19 or 20-4 food vouchers, good for 2 hot dogs, chicken tenders, or cheeseburger plus popcorn and soft drink-1 entry into our VIP Experience raffle, with one winner chosen on New Year’s Eve!A $100 dollar value for only $75!The VIP Experience Raffle includes:-4 Glass Seats to our January 24th game against Rochester-Lunch with Tomahawk Coaches (location and time TBD)-A tour of 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial-Watch warmups from the Tomahawks bench-Listen to Coach Houli give his pregame speech in the locker room-Stand in the player tunnel during team introductions-Recognition as raffle winners on the video board during the January 24th gameTickets for your game, as well as food vouchers, are physical tickets and will be available at will call on the night of your event. One (1) entry per purchased package. 100 packages available. VIP Experience will be held January 24th prior to the game against Rochester, 7:00pm. PACKAGE SALES FOR EACH GAME END 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
BY: DREW P. PFEIL