WEEKEND PREVIEW:
The Tomahawks continued their roll last weekend by completing back to back series sweeps, this time over the New Jersey Titans. The team scored 13 goals over the weekend and after more of a back and forth battle on Friday night, the Tomahawks really seemed to handle business on Saturday night with a convincing 6-3 win. These two teams have faced off only once this season which is a rare occurrence, especially with the standard two-game weekend structure. The Tomahawks opened their season with a 6-3 loss on the road versus the Gens’ nearly two months ago but the Saturday contest was postponed for a later date in the season.
JTN:
Evan Kensey is keeping up his high-level production pace for the Tomahawks, with now 17 points (4G, 13A) through his first 14 games. Kensey has mightily surpassed his career-best point mark (7) this season and will look to continue to grow his game and be a key piece for his team. Despite missing Saturday’s contest versus NJ, defenseman Conor Griffin has not slowed down either, as one of five Hawks’ players who average at least a point/game to begin the season. Griffin is also off to a NAHL career-best mark with 13 points (2G, 11A). Sam Esposito, Conner Maione, and new but familiar face, Jack Sullivan are the other players who are contributing in a big way for Johnstown so far this season. Especially Jack Sullivan, who, since his return a month ago, has played in just four games but has recorded 9 points (3G, 6A).
Goaltending
After beginning the season with three goaltenders, the Tomahawks have been rolling as of late with the 1A/1B tandem of Luc Beauparlant and Matthew Wood. The relationship between a goaltending tandem is quietly one of the most important factors of a hockey team. Coach Mish seems to have a great hold on the play-styles of both of his goaltenders, where they’ve become accustomed to splitting nearly every weekend to start the season. Both goaltenders have made appearances each weekend, which we could also expect to see this weekend versus a high-flying Northeast team.
- Luc Beauparlant – 2-1-2 | .921SV% | 2.74GAA
- Matthew Wood – 4-2-1 | .906SV% | 3.07GAA | 1SO
NTE:
The Northeast Generals enter this weekend’s series bringing one of the more productive offenses in the NAHL to Johnstown. The Generals are averaging 4.07 goals per game while allowing just 2.47, making them a threat on both ends of the ice. Leading the way offensively is forward Logan Poulin, who has 23 points (13G, 10A) through 15 games. Kody Moyer follows with 20 points (6G, 14A), while defenseman Dominic Pajkic has been a major contributor from the blue line with 19 points (1G, 18A). Braydon Hudtloff rounds out their top four scorers with 16 points (5G, 11A).
Goaltending
Northeast’s goaltending tandem is led by a familiar foe for the Tomahawks in returning goalie Keagin Wilson, who has posted a 6-2 record with a 2.29 GAA and .915 save percentage through 10 appearances, including one shutout. Backup Gavin Weeks has also been solid, compiling a 4-1 record with a 2.21 GAA and .923 save percentage in six appearances. The Generals have received strong production from both ends of their goaltending rotation, in a similar fashion to the Tomahawks which sets up an exciting showdown.
- Keagin Wilson – 6-2-1 | .915SV% | 2.29GAA
- Gavin Weeks – 4-1-1 | .923SV% | 2.21GAA
