ODENTON, MD. – A late goal sunk the Johnstown Tomahawks against the Maryland Black Bears Friday night at Piney Orchard Ice Arena.
The Tomahawks struck first after Maryland’s Carter Wade was penalized for slashing.
Forward Sam Solensky received a no-look pass from Oliver Benwell and then fired it past Black Bears goaltender David Tomeo for a 1-0 Johnstown lead. Solensky’s fifth on the year was assisted by Benwell and Carson Brière.
At the 16:01 mark of the first period, Maryland knotted the score at 1-1 after Connor Pooley’s backhand shot slid through the five-hole of Tomahawks goalie Kade Phipps. Matteo Menotti and Patrick Choi assisted on Pooley’s fifth of the season.
In the second period, the Black Bears gained the 2-1 lead but it was not without controversy.
Black Bears forward Daylon Mannon appeared to tap the puck behind the pad of Phipps but the goal was quickly waved off.
After conferring with off-ice officials, the decision was reversed and the Black Bears 2-1 lead was solidified.
However, at the 17:03 mark of the second period, Johnstown stormed back to tie the game.
Solensky finished a pass from Cameron Hebert for his second of the contest and sixth of the season.
Maryland and Johnstown exchanged scoring chances in the final frame with Phipps and Tomeo making remarkable saves.
However, Brière was called with a late tripping penalty that sent the Black Bears to the power play with two minutes remaining in the third period.
Pooley collected a loose rebound and scored his second of the game and sixth of the season to seal the Black Bear win at 3-2.
Both teams return to action Saturday night for a 7:45 p.m. faceoff at Piney Orchard Ice Arena.
Johnstown returns to 1st Summit Arena on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., for Hat-Trick or Treat presented by Forever Media. Fans are encouraged to dress up and participate in an indoor trick-or-treat at the game. Souvenir tote bags will be given out courtesy of Forever Media.
Sunday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. is the traditional Pucks & Paws event. Fans can bring their friendly dogs to the game for a $5 dog ticket. Souvenir dog leashes will be given away courtesy of Cambria Vet Care. The Tomahawks will accepted donations of dog food and pet cleaning supplies for the Humane Society of Cambria County.
