By Ed Sheets
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.-Alex Okicki stopped all 43 shots he faced, and Mitch Hall added three assists as the Tomahawks defeated the Soo Eagles 5-0 on Sunday afternoon at Pullar Stadium. The Tomahawks move within five points of first place, while improving their record in Sunday games this season to 5-1.
The Tomahawks got on the board first, as Zach Wallace scored 49 seconds into the game. The goal was Wallace’s first since scoring against Port Huron on Nov. 23. Jordan Watt and Trevor Recktenwald each added assists on the goal.
Garrison Sanipass made it 2-0 with his second goal of the season at 11:26. Mitch Hall and Brandon Reinholz provided assists on the goal. Joe Drabin made it 3-0 when his shot from between the circles hit the cross bar and went into the net at 15:40 of the second period.
Late in the second period, Jordan Watt scored on the first power-play of the game, a wraparound goal at 18:42. Hall and Bednard added their second assists of the game on the goal. 38 seconds later, Brandon Reinholz made it 5-0, with Hall picking up his third assist of the game.
Okicki earned the win, stopping all 43 shots for his third shutout of the season. Landon Trutt took the loss allowing five goals on 33 shots. The Tomahawks and Eagles combined for four penalties in the game, with the first being called at 18:14 of the second period. The Tomahawks went 1-for-1 on their lone power play opportunity, while killing the lone Soo power play. First power-play to Johnstown with 1:46 remaining in the second period.
The Tomahawks travel to Springfield next Friday and Saturday nights to take on the Jr. Blues. They travel to Port Huron the following weekend, before welcoming Michigan to the War Memorial Jan. 24 & 25. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com, call 814-536-GOAL (4625), or stop by the Tomahawks office during regular business hours.