Tomahawks Begin Showcase with 4-1 Win over Minnesota

Sep 19, 2018

BLAINE, Minn. – The Johnstown Tomahawks began the 2018 NAHL Showcase with a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wilderness Wednesday afternoon at Schwan Super Rink.
Johnstown wasted little time cracking the scoreless tie as Christian Gorscak fired a hard wrist shot past the right shoulder of Wilderness goaltender Ryan Fanti just 38 seconds into the first period. Carter Dwyer picked up the assist.
The Tomahawks gained a two-goal lead at the 11:06 mark of the first period.
Oliver Benwell tipped in a pass from forward Carson Brière for his second goal of the season to make it 2-0 Tomahawks. Sam Solensky picked up the secondary assist.
In the second period, Minnesota cut the Johnstown lead to 2-1 after Aaron Myers found his own rebound and beat Tomahawks netminder Kade Phipps. His goal was unassisted.
The Tomahawks would regain the two-goal lead after Bennett Stockdale took advantage of a Wilderness turnover for his first of the season.
Johnstown’s defense clamped down on the Wilderness offense as Phipps turned away several Minnesota chances.
Forward Mitchell Hale set the final at 4-1 with an empty-net goal assisted by Brière.
The Tomahawks continue their run at the 2018 NAHL Showcase with a matchup against the Corpus Christi IceRays at 6 p.m. tomorrow evening.
The Tomahawks return to 1ST SUMMIT ARENA for the home opener on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Former Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward will be on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck. His appearance is presented by 1st Summit Bank, GapVax, Toyota and UPMC Health Plan.