Alger's Hat Trick Carries Tomahawks to Overtime Win

Apr 1, 2016

JOHNSTOWN – In front of 2,731 fans, Alex Alger notched a hat trick and Casey Linkenheld earned his 100th NAHL point in a 4-3 come-from-behind overtime victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights.

 

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton drew the first goal of the game when Braden Brown snuck a shot past Tomahawks goaltender Andrew Lindgren. The goal came unassisted at 6:11 of the first period.

 

Back from a brief hiatus, Alex Alger notched his seventh goal of the season on the power play at 12:44. The goal was unassisted.

 

Approximately three minutes later, the Knights gained the advantage back when Blake Busch followed up on his own shot for a 2-1 lead. Busch’s seventeenth of the season came on the power play.

 

In the second period, the Knights gained more momentum when Jacob Hamacher’s wrist shot from the right circle found its way behind Lindgren. Brown assisted on the tally.

 

Johnstown gained momentum as the period ended and a relentless forecheck was rewarded when Alger scored his second goal of the game with one second left in the second frame. Ryan Burr and Brendan Jaquay assisted on the goal.

 

Eight minutes into the third period the Tomahawks gained the tying goal from captain and defenseman Logan Hudson. Hudson’s low shot from the point beat Knights goalie Andrey Svistunov and was assisted by Andrew Romano.

 

In overtime, Alger was sent on a breakaway and capped off the game with a goal, his third of the game, to lift Johnstown to a 4-3 thrilling victory. Casey Linkenheld assisted on the goal, notching is 100th point in his NAHL career.

 

In victory, Lindgren stopped 16 of 19 Knights shots while Svistunov controlled 24 of 28 Johnstown shots.

 

The Tomahawks close out the regular season Saturday, April 2 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. Johnstown will celebrate their fans with Fan Appreciation Night where $5000-worth of prizes and giveaways will be handed out. Additionally, the Tomahawks, Firehouse Subs and The Tax Lady are presenting the annual Guns & Hoses Police versus Fire Charity Game set for a 4:30 faceoff prior to the Tomahawks game at 7 p.m. With a purchase of Tomahawks ticket, fans gain access to the Guns and Hoses game. For more information, contact the Tomahawks at 814-536-4625. For tickets, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the War Memorial box office.