BLAINE, Minn. – The Johnstown Tomahawks used two goals from Chad Merrell to defeat the Springfield Jr. Blues 3-1 Saturday afternoon at Schwan Super RInk.
The Tomahawks scored the game’s first goal when Chad Merrell tapped in a pass from Sam Solensky past the pad of Jr. Blues goalie George McBey. For Merrell, the goal was his fifth of the season.
The Tomahawks and Jr. Blues exchanged chances in the first period but the Tomahawks maintained a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Springfield and Johnstown skated to a scoreless second period.
Just 37 seconds into the third period, Tomahawks forward Mitchell Hale scored his third of the season to put the Tomahawks in front 2-0. Anthony Mastromonica assisted on the goal.
Merrell continued to have the hot hand as the Boca Raton, Fla., native finished a short-handed breakaway for his second of the game and sixth of the season for a 3-0 Tomahawks lead.
The Jr. Blues broke up Tomahawks goalie Carter McPhail’s shutout bid with a power play goal from Spencer DenBeste.
The Tomahawks return to 1ST SUMMIT ARENA for the home opener on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Former Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward will be on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck. His appearance is presented by 1st Summit Bank, GapVax, Toyota and UPMC Health Plan.