JOHNSTOWN – Sam Solensky set a new franchise best for career goals with his overtime winner as the Tomahawks rung in 2019 with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over Northeast.
Both the Generals and the Tomahawks skated to a scoreless first period as neither team could crack the other’s goaltenders.
The Generals cashed in on a Tomahawks failed clear attempt as Svet Kuchynski tapped in a loose puck behind Cooper Lukenda for a 1-0 Generals lead.
Johnstown fired 12 shots on goal during the period but Northeast netminder David Fessenden held the net and helped his team skate into the second intermission in the lead 1-0.
It was the Tomahawks turn to get on the comeback trail as the team continued to have quality chances on Fessenden.
The Tomahawks broke through and tied the game 14 seconds into the third period when Carson Brière finished a two-on-one with Cam Hebert for his 23rd of the season and a 1-1 hockey game.
Johnstown gained a 2-1 lead when Hebert’s shot hit the right post and boucned behind Fessenden for a power play goal.
The Generals, however, would not go away as with the net empty, Aurel Naus tied the game at 2-2 with less than two minutes to play in the third period.
It wouldn’t take long for Johnstown to complete the sweep of Northeast as Solensky potted his 20th of the season and 46th career goal to win the game and set the new all-time goals mark.
The Tomahawks are back in action on Friday, Jan. 11 when they visit the Maryland Black Bears.
