BLAINE, Minn. – The Johnstown Tomahawks mounted a third-period comeback effort but it was not enough as the Fairbanks Ice Dogs collected the the 4-3 win
The Ice Dogs broke through late in the first period after a Tomahawks turnover led to a goal from Jake Borgida for a 1-0 lead for Fairbanks.
Fairbanks grabbed a 2-0 lead early in the second period with a Dylan Abbott goal at the 3:12 mark of the period.
The goal was immediately followed one minute later by a goal from Ice Dogs defenseman Trenton Woods.
However, the Tomahawks cut the Fairbanks lead to 3-1 when Chad Merrell finished a breakaway for this third of the season.
Twenty seconds later, the Ice Dogs’ Lucas Erickson talleid his first of the season to put Fairbanks up 4-1.
The Tomahawks would pull goalie Kade Phipps in favor of Carter McPhail.
In the third period, the Tomahawks cut the Fairbanks lead to 4-2 with a goal from Christian Gorscak, his third of the season. Cameron Hebert picked up the assist.
Johnstown continued their comeback effort with a late goal from Merrell, his second of the game and fourth on the season.
But the Ice Dogs shut down the Tomahawks feverish comeback efforts to collect their first win of the season with the 4-3 final.
Johnstown concludes the 2018 NAHL Showcase with a 2 p.m. matchup with the Springfield Jr. Blues tomorrow afternoon.
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.