WEEKEND PREVIEW:
Through just about a sixth of their regular season schedule so far, the Tomahawks have endured just about a bit of everything. After starting the season getting swept by the defending champion Maryland Black Bears and facing some tough competition overall, the Hawks’ still find themselves with an opportunity to leapfrog the Rebels in the standings with a successful weekend, sitting just three points behind Philadelphia. The Rebels have gotten off to a decent start with just over a .500 record at 6-5-0 but they’ve also faced some sturdy competition, facing off against the current #1 seed in the East dropping two games to Maryland and the #2 seed Northeast Generals four times, where they earned a split going 2-2. After the slow start to the season, and especially to last Friday’s game versus the Titans, the Tomahawks are seemingly turning a corner with their style of play. Coming off a 5-2 victory, the Tomahawks will look to keep momentum rolling on home ice versus a strong Philadelphia team.
JTN:
Evan Kensey still leads the way for the Tomahawks with his 12 points (3G, 9A) through his first ten games, continuing to be one of the brightest spots of the Tomahawks season so far as a returning player who looks to be taking the next step. Forward Ethan Coots and defenseman Conor Griffin continue to produce consistently every weekend as well, also taking huge first steps after returning from last season’s roster.
Goaltending
The Tomahawks will now move forward with two goaltenders starting this weekend after releasing Dylan Bourque earlier in the week. Matthew Wood has seemingly found his form of late, putting up tremendous numbers over his last three starts leading his team to five out of a possible six points, recording a stellar .950 save percentage in that stretch, including a 26 save shutout of Grand Junction back in Blaine, and most recently a 37/39 performance in a 5-2 W over New Jersey.
- Luc Beauparlant – 0-1-2 | .927SV% | 2.60GAA
- Matthew Wood – 2-2-1 | .914SV% | 2.87GAA | 1SO
PHI:
The Rebels haven’t gotten much in the way of quantity for points from their forward group, as they’re led by defenseman Mikey Conlon in scoring who has recorded zero goals and seven assists. Forward Timmy Donohue has also recorded seven points (3G, 4A) through nine games. The Rebels play a structured style with balanced scoring.
Goaltending
The Rebels have a returning starting goaltender with Ben Varsa between the pipes who was named to the East Division’s NAHL Top Prospects roster last season. Varsa has gotten off to another solid start through three games with a 2-1-0 record, along with a stellar .933 save percentage and a 1.99GAA. Mathieu Raymond has actually made five starts for the Rebels and has been solid as well, posting a 3-2 record.
- Ben Varsa – 2-1-0 | .933SV% | 1.99GAA
- Mathieu Raymond – 3-2-0 | .929SV% | 2.19GAA
