The Johnstown Tomahawks defeated the Rochester Jr. Americans by a final score of, 4-3 in a wild shootout ending.
In the opening period, the dynamic mirrored the clash last week between the two NAHL East Division squads, as the Rochester Jr. Americans netted two goals without reply. Despite Jacob Osborne’s valiant efforts in goal, the Tomahawks found themselves trailing, having been outshot 2-16 by the Jr. Americans. Consequently, as the first period concluded, the Tomahawks were left facing a two-goal deficit.
The second period commenced similarly as Rochester extended their lead to 3-0 just 55 seconds into the period. Yet, it was Will Moore who breathed life into the Tomahawks, putting them on the scoreboard with his goal assisted by Dean Andrews and Nick White, narrowing the gap to 1-3. Shortly after, Chase Sandhu halved Rochester’s lead with a goal assisted by Hunter Fetterolf and Jaden Johnson. As the second period concluded, the Tomahawks trailed the Jr. Americans by a single goal.
The third period saw the Tomahawks continue their momentum with Chase Sandhu netting his second goal of the game, assisted by Hayes Hundley, leveling the score at three apiece. With regulation time not enough to decide the outcome, the game entered an intense overtime period.
Following the unsuccessful initial overtime, the Johnstown Tomahawks and the Rochester Jr. Americans proceeded to the shootout. Initially, the Jr. Americans appeared to clinch victory. However, both teams were called back onto the ice from their lockerrooms after a video review disallowed Rochester’s apparent winning goal. Seizing the opportunity during the rematch, the Johnstown Tomahawks emerged triumphant, ultimately defeating the Rochester Jr. Americans with a final score of 4-3. Tomahawks goaltender Jacob Osborne stopped 49-of-52 shots on goal in the Tomahawks victory.
The Johnstown Tomahawks will face the Rochester Jr. Americans for game two of the weekend series tomorrow at 5:00 PM. Catch all the action live on NAHLTV!