JOHNSTOWN, PA – The Johnstown Tomahawks season came to an end, as they fell 5-2 to the Keystone Ice Miners on Saturday night at the Cambria County War Memorial. The loss, combined with a Michigan shootout win over Soo, eliminated the Tomahawks chance at a postseason berth.
Keystone got on the board first, as Joey Sofo scored at 10:36 of the first period. Cameron Smith and Tommy Horn added assists on the goal.
Casey Linkenheld tied the game with his 23rd goal of the season at 18:45 of the first period. Andrew Romano and Nick Le Sage each added the assist on the goal that broke the single-season goal scoring record set by Jordan Watt last season.
Keystone regained the lead less than a minute later, as Alex Archibald’s shot hit the boards behind the net and landed in front of Taylor Fernandez, who scored with 19 seconds left on the clock.
The Ice Miners extended their lead in the third period, as Fernandez scored his second of the game at 13:58. Mitch Maiden and Vito Aluia each added assists on the goal.
Jake Houston provided some excitement late, as his shot found the top corner of the net with 1:05 remaining in regulation.
The excitement would not last long, as Horn scored just seconds later. Jacob Coleman and AJ Coleman each added assists on the goal. Fernandez set the final score with his third goal of the night at 19:37.
Nick Kossoff earned the win, stopping 24 of 26 shots. Gwillim took the loss, allowing three goals on 37 shots. The Tomahawks went 1-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.