JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown Tomahawks played host for an exhibition showdown against the U17 USA National Team Development Program (NTDP) on Wednesday night in Johnstown at 1st Summit Arena.
The Tomahawks fell by a score of 8-5 on Wednesday night in a high scoring affair with some of the nation’s most exciting young hockey players.
NTDP jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first nine minutes of action with goals by Dayne Beuker and Johnstown native, Brody George. Johnstown would answer back with one of their own thanks to Dallas Potter (Luke Sakala, Dylan Shane) just past the midway point of the period. NTDP forward Lukas Zajic added a 3rd goal at the 15:00 minute mark and that was the start of a run of 4 quick goals from both teams in the last 2 minutes of action. Sam Blanton and Nick Jarmain worked hard to tie the game for Johnstown but with just five seconds left in the period, NTDP wouldn’t be denied taking a 4-3 lead into the locker room with a goal from AJ Garcia.
The second period started, and it seemed as though the game was settling down, but NTDP wound up notching the only three goals of the period thanks to Sammy Nelson, Wyatt Cullen, and Mikey Berchild, to take a commanding 7-3 lead into the locker room.
In the 3rd period, Johnstown kept themselves in the game however with some big saves from Daniel Heroux and two big power play goals from Ryan Flaherty just 41 seconds apart to give them some hope with 10 minutes left to go. Johnstown had their chances to tie the game up late in the game but eventually fell short thanks to some big saves from USA netminder Luke Carrithers. NTDP would add an empty net goal to put this one to bed with a final score of 8-5. Shots on goal for the game were NTDP 32 – Johnstown 31.
The Tomahawks return to action this Friday, September 20th at 7:30 PM for the second series of the regular season, as they head to Philadelphia to take on the Rebels.
By DREW P. PFEIL | drew@johnstowntomahawks.com