The Johnstown Tomahawks split the weekend series on the road against the Maryland Black Bears Saturday night with a 5-2 win.
The Tomahawks were looking for revenge and won the opening face-off. The tension between the conference rivals was evident throughout the period. Maryland saw an early power-play opportunity as Zach Stoner was sent to the box for tripping. However, Johnstown’s power-play unit would find themselves going to work a total of five times throughout the duration of the period. The Tomahawks took advantage of their opportunities with a Jacob Badal power-play goal 10 minutes into the first period, assisted by Jake Black and Dustin Geregach. Frank Jenkins tallied his second goal of the weekend with a power-play goal at 14:21, assisted by Jacob Badal and Dustin Geregach. Sam Evola was unstoppable with multiple impressive saves throughout the first period. The Tomahawks would head to the locker room up by 2.
The second period was all about the Tomahawks penalty kill unit and goaltender Sam Evola. During this physical match-up, both teams saw some time on the power-play, Johnstown coming off the perfect first period. Johnstown’s Dylan Shane would head to the box for tripping, leading to the Black Bears power-play. However, the penalty kill for Johnstown was unsuccessful and Maryland’s, Laker Aldridge would cut the lead 2-1. But, just 30 seconds later Johnstown’s Zach Stoner would find the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Stoner’s goal assisted by Ryan Vellucci and Egan Schmitt would extend the Tomahawk’s lead 3-1 at the end of 40 minutes.
The Tomahawks entered the final 20 minutes of play, up two goals. The Tomahawks came into the period already tallying two power-play goals. But the power-play unit wasn’t didn’t seem phased and added the Tomahawk’s third power-play goal off the stick of Sean Ramsay. Ramsay’s goal assisted by Jake Black and Jacob Badal extended Johnstown’s lead 4-1. Ultimately, the Tomahawks would get the power-play a total of seven times throughout the game. However, seven minutes later, Maryland’s Aden Bruich scored on a short-hand goal. Cutting the Tomahawks lead to 4-2. Goaltender San Evola continued his impressive outing throughout the third period with multiple jaw-dropping saves. Egan Schmitt hopped in on the fun and found the back at 17:13. With the assists of Noah Wagner and Ryan Vellucci, Johnstown extended their lead, 5-2. Johnstown would come out the victors, splitting the weekend series against the Maryland Black Bears with their Saturday night win, 5-2
The Tomahawks will be off next weekend but will return to the First Summit Arena in just two weeks to bring in the New Year. The games are scheduled for Friday, December 31st at 6:00 PM and Saturday, January 1st at 7:00 PM against the Northeast Generals. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and by visiting the Tomahawks office. Make sure to stay up to date with social media coverage of all things Johnstown Tomahawks by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.