JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown Tomahawks were defeated by the Northeast Generals by a final score of 5-4 on an exciting New Years Eve in Johnstown.
Even before the puck dropped for the annual New Years Eve game, there was a buzz to 1st Summit Arena that is always a treat to see on one of the most crowded nights of the season. After an unsuccessful night on Monday, the Northeast team was clearly determined to take control and take it early. Just 30 seconds in, a Generals’ point shot found its way to the front of the net to an uncovered teammate who nearly snuck it by Hawks goaltender Nick Avakyan, but he found a way to keep it out of the net. Northeast went on to continue the strong early play, registering the first six shots on goal of the contest. With just over 13 minutes to play in the 1st, the Tomahawks were awarded their first power play opportunity, but they couldn’t manage to generate anything, adding just one shot on goal in the waning seconds. At the halfway point of the period, the balance beam started to lean more towards the Hawks as they were putting some pressure on the Generals leading to yet another power play chance. Once again, the man-advantage didn’t yield anything for the Hawks, but they did seem to generate a few more chances as Hawks’ forward Ryan Flaherty was robbed on the backdoor by the Generals netminder. The period came to a close with a 2:1 Northeast shot on goal advantage at 10-5.
Although it was a scoreless game through 20 minutes, Northeast wasted no time drawing first blood just 23 seconds into the 2nd period off a net front rebound. Just after the goal, the Generals kept up their undisciplined ways as they took another penalty, their 4th of the game in just about 23 minutes of action. The Hawks power play had just ended when forward Thomas Weekes got in on the forecheck and created not one but two strong chances by himself and on the second he buried a backhander to tie the game up at 1. Northeast showcased their resilience and made the score 2-1 just two minutes later taking some wind out of the crowd. The clock barely ticked off seven minutes in the period and the floodgates were busted open with another goal but this one from a Tomahawks stick, as Sam Blanton capped off a rush chance and tied the score at 2. Before PA announcer London Graham could even finish the goal announcement, Northeast would score again just a minute later, playing hot potato with the lead as it was now 3-2. Moments after the goal, the Tomahawks were sent to the box for a high-sticking double minor penalty and were set to spend the next four minutes in the box. In every hockey game there tends to be a turning point that is directly correlated with the outcome of the game, this penalty kill situation was that turning point and in best case scenario, Tomahawks forward Nick White capped off a 2-on-1 to tie the game yet again with his 3rd shorthanded goal of the season making it 3-3. Things started to settle down midway through the 2nd with what seemed like a “long” stretch when eight minutes ran off the clock without a goal after the period that had just transpired. However, Hawks forward Charlie Zetterkvist gave his team the lead with just under 3:00 to play and they headed to the locker room with a 4-3 lead.
The 3rd period got underway, and it was clear that the 3,050 in attendance at 1st Summit Arena were going to be treated to an exciting finish on New Years Eve with just a one-goal difference between the two teams. Northeast made a strong entrance to the period with a quick goal to tie the game up at 4-4 just two-minutes in. The 3rd period was played in an extremely careful manner as both teams didn’t want to make any mistakes in a crucial spot. There were big saves, some big hits and some overall great hockey being played in the 3rd and as time began to wind down, the game looked like it was destined for extra time. In heartbreaking fashion, the Generals grabbed the lead back once again with just :50 seconds remaining but this time for good. Northeast relentlessly attacked the Hawks net hard and found a way to jam home a rebound that would seal this one and spoil the New Years Eve outcome for the Tomahawks and their fans as they would go on to fall by a score of 5-4 in regulation.
The Johnstown Tomahawks return to action next weekend on Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th to wrap up the long homestand with a series against the Maine Nordiques. Friday’s contest will begin at 7:00PM so don’t miss out on the excitement and get your weekend plans started with the Johnstown Tomahawks! Secure your tickets and explore all of our future promotions at www.johnstowntomahawks.com.
By DREW P. PFEIL | drew@johnstowntomahawks.com