ASTON, Pa – The Aston Rebels scored with 23 seconds left to play in the third period to edge the Johnstown Tomahawks 4-3 Friday night at the IceWorks Complex in Aston.
After the Tomahawks had a goal disallowed, the Rebels would capitalize with an Evgeny Yakovlev goal at the 12:57 mark of the first period. Gianluca Esteves and Aaron Maguyon registered the assists.
Johnstown tied the hockey game at one goal a piece when Filips Buncis lauched a wrist shot past Rebels goalie Mareks Mitens at 17:32. The power play goal was assisted by Donovan Ott and Dalton Hunter.
In the second period, the Rebels would take control with two quick goals from Peter Zhong and Brennan Kapcheck.
With less than five minutes remaining in the second period, the Tomahawks put themselves within one goal with an Adam Pilewicz power play goal.
The third period was a back and forth affair with Johnstown and Aston battling for the next goal.
Johnstown would win the battle as Ott sniped on past the shoulder of Mitens to tie the game at 3-3. Zak Galambos picked up the lone assist.
Drew Hotte withheld plenty of Rebels chances until Dom Garcia broke through with 23 seconds left to win the game 4-3.
In the loss, Hotte record fell to 4-1-1 on the season while Mitens improved his record to 10-2-0.
Both teams are back at it tomorrow for a Saturday night contest at 7 p.m.
The Tomahawks return to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena for their home opener on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. against the Aston Rebels.
November 11 is Military Appreciation Night where the Tomahawks will honor those who have served with free tickets for military veterans and active duty personnel. Additionally, the Tomahawks will wear specialty military-style jerseys.