LAUREL, MD – Rookie goalie Carter McPhail stopped all 31 shots and recorded his first shut out of the season as he led the Tomahawks to a convincing victory over the Maryland Black Bears 5-0 Friday night at Laurel Gardens Ice House. The win was the Tomahawks 30th of the season (30-5) and the team continues to be atop the NAHL with 60 points in the standings.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
First Period:
• Oliver Benwell (Toronto, ON) opened the scoring with his 15th of the season. Sam Solensky and Roman Kraemer picked up the assists.
• Carson Briere (35games / 24 goals/ 29assists/ 53 points) picked up his lead leading 17th power play goal. Defenseman Hunter Toale and Solensky registered the helper.
Second Period:
• Tomahawks 20 year old forward Chad Merrell picked up his 7th of the season and first goal in 8 games. Rookie defenseman Ethan Webb picked up his 8th assist of the season.
• At the 16:00 mark, Solensky added his 21st of the season to put the Tomahawks ahead 4-0 late in the second period. Briere and Stockdale assisted on the goal.
Third Period:
• RMU commit Roman Kreamer picked up his 4th goal of the season with helpers from defenseman Alex Wilkins and Sam Solensky.
• Over 72 minutes of penalties were handed out in the last 80 seconds of play.
QUICK HITS
• Fun fact – With the win, the Tomahawks now have a league leading 60 points, and with tonight’s 1 goal and 3 assists, Solensky’s now has a league leading 60 points! (21 goals / 39 assists)
• Tomahawks shorthanded unit continued to shine by killing all 9 of Maryland’s power plays. The Hawks are 5th best in the league with 84% while shorthanded.
• Hunter Toale leads all Tomahawks defenseman with 19 points (1 goal-18 assist)
• Solensky and Briere have combined for 28 points in the last 5 games (10 goals – 18 assists)
• With the fighting major under 5 minutes to play, Hawks veteran forward Mitch Hale will have to sit out tomorrow’s game.
• At 4.3 goals a game with 151 goals in 35 games, the Hawks continue to lead the league, ahead of Aberdeen at 141.
• 3 stars of the game.
1.Solensky 2.McPhail 3.Briere.
With the win the Tomahawks are now 5-1 versus the Black Bears. Both teams return to action Saturday, Jan. 12 for a 7:45 p.m. faceoff in Maryland’s second location, Rockville Ice Arena. Tune in to HOCKEYTV.COM to watch the Tomahawks extend their winning streak to 7 games.