Johnstown, Pa – The Johnstown Tomahawks played their first home game of the 2017-18 season at the newly named, 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial against the visiting Philadelphia Rebels but fell by the score of 4-0.
After the opening festivities, which featured an arena naming rights ceremony, firework show, and ceremonial puck-drop by four-time Stanley Cup Champion, Paul Coffey, the NAHL matchup got underway.
In the first period, Philadelphia struck first when Andrew Bellant snapped a hard wrist shot over Purpura’s glove at 3:07 for his fourth goal of the season. The goal was unassisted.
Bellant’s tally would ultimately be the game-winning goal.
Philadelphia and Johnstown exchanged several quality chances during the remainder of the period.
Johnstown found themselves with the best of the period when a loose puck sat just outside of the Rebel’s wide-open net. Unfortunately, the Johnstown shot rang off the crossbar and then wide.
The period ended 1-0 Rebels.
Philadelphia scored early once again, this time in the second period. Brandon Stanley received a pass from the top of the offensive zone, down to the left circle, where he slapped home the goal. This was Stanley’s first goal of the year. Diarmad DiMurro and Andrew Bellant both received assists on the goal, which came at 2:23 into the second period.
That was the only goal of the middle frame and the Philadelphia Rebels took the 2-0 lead into the third period.
In the third period, Philadelphia got their third goal of the game at 16:45. All alone in the slot, Julian Markary beat Purpura, with the assists going to Ryan Patrick and Andrew Bellant.
This gave the Rebels a 3-0 lead.
The Rebels scored another goal, this time on the power play, with less than a minute left in the game. Auggie Moore scored with Seth Bergeron and Adam Peck credited with the assists.
That would give Philadelphia a 4-0 lead, which would be the final goal of the night for either side.
Philadelphia outshot Johnstown, 31-19.
In net for Johnstown, Purpura turned away 26 of 31 shots.
For Philadelphia, Ryan Keane picked up the shutout, turning away all 19 Johnstown shots.
The Johnstown Tomahawks are back in action tomorrow afternoon, October 15, 2017 at 1pm when the Tomahawks face-off against the same Philadelphia Rebels at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial. It’s Hat-Trick or Treat day presented by Forever Broadcasting. Kids and adults of all ages are invited to take part in a costume contest with an on-ice parade. There will be trick or treating in the concourse and a post-game meet & treat with the Hawks players, whom will be providing their favorite candy. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a NAHL souvenir tote bag. Individual tickets are available by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the 1st Summit Arena box office.
