Tomahawks Earn 3-2 Victory Against Port Huron

Jan 30, 2013

Tomahawks Earn 3-2 Victory Against Port Huron

 

By Suzanne Grove

 

Johnstown, Pa – Despite a less than stellar record against the Fighting Falcons this season, the Tomahawks forged an early 3-0 lead and stayed ahead through two Port Huron power-play goals to earn a 3-2 victory Thursday night at the War Memorial Arena. After entering the game with only one win against their North-Division rival, the Tomahawks improved their record against the Fighting Falcons to 2-3-2.

 

Johnstown (21-14-9) proved it could not be shaken by the net presence of Alex Blankenburg– who previously won all three games he played against the Tomahawks–, outshooting their opponent 39-26. Johnstown goaltender Chris Truehl, appearing in his seventh straight game, remained strong for his team and made several outstanding saves, stopping 24 of 26.

 

The Tomahawks’ offensive effort was lead by Brandon Reinholz, who scored the game-winning goal at 5:13 of the second period when he received a pass from JB Baker and made an impressive move around a Port Huron defenseman to put the puck behind Blankenburg, giving the Tomahawks the 3-0 lead.

 

The Tomahawks got on the board first after previously being outscored in the first period by the Fighting Falcons six games to three when Casey Nelson threw a wrist shot on net from the blue line that was deflected off a Port Huron defenseman. The goal marked Nelson’s third against Port Huron (19-22-3) and ninth of the season. He currently leads all defensemen on his team with 24 points (8-16-24).

 

Baker gave the Tomahawks a two-goal lead at 16:39 of the first when he fired a backhand shot into the top right corner of the net, over Blankenburg who was sprawled out in the crease.

 

Johnstown failed to capitalize on any of its five power-play opportunities and went three-for-five on the penalty kill.

 

Port Huron did not get on the board until 11:19 of the second period when Matthew Uvodich deflected the puck through traffic and past Truehl. It was the first power-play goal of the game with Mitch Hall in the box for delay of game.

 

Port Huron moved within one when Jake Fairchild took a four-minute penalty for delay of game and unsportsmanlike conduct after upending a Port Huron player. The Tomahawks made an impressive effort when Nick Horne made the score 3-2 with only 17 seconds remaining on the man-advantage.

 

Johnstown would not allow the momentum swing to ruin their lead and held on through a tense final minute with Blankenburg pulled to give Port Huron the extra man. The Tomahawks remain in fourth place in the North Division and have won four of their last six games.

 

The two teams play again Friday night at 7 p.m.