The Johnstown Tomahawks fell to the Maryland Black Bears 6-2 on the road in Odenton. Friday night’s contest was the third of five in the past two weeks between the two teams.
The Black Bears came out hot in the first period with three goals in 4:16, with goals coming from Kareem El Bashir (3:06), Samuel Stitz (4:36) and Dimitry Kebreau (7:22). Netminder Alec Rajalin-Scharp went in to relieve Matt O’Donnell between the pipes after the Kebreau goal which put Maryland up 3-0. Johnstown showed signs of life when Anthony Galante opened the scoring for the Tomahawks shortly after the change in net. Maryland responded once again later in the period as Christian Catalano makes it 4-1 to end the opening period.
As the quiet second period went along, Maryland tallied on to their lead as Gabriel Westling scored with 2:02 remaining in the period to give the Black Bears a commanding 5-1 lead going into the final 20.
Branden Piku added to Maryland’s scoring just 31 seconds into the period. Justin Rapp later netted his first goal of the season for Johnstown with 7:00 remaining in regulation. Rapp’s goal was the final goal of the game as Maryland won 6-2 Friday night.
The two foes are back again tomorrow night, Saturday, October 29 at Piney Orchard Ice Arena for game two of three on the weekend in Maryland with puck drop set for 7:30 PM.