JOHNSTOWN, Penn. – The Johnstown Tomahawks fell to the New Jersey Titans, 4-2, in a hotly contested East Division match-up.
The Titans opened the scoring this time, with Cade Penney giving New Jersey the 1-0 lead a little less than six minutes into the game. Johnstown had plenty of chances to tie the game, but Titans goalie, Patrick Pugliese, made several quality saves to keep the Tomahawks off the scoreboard.
For most of the 2nd period, Pugliese continued to shut the door and keep New Jersey in the lead. However, Tomahawks goalie, Alex Tracy, did the same to keep his team within striking distance. Johnstown’s effort would finally pay off with less than two minutes remaining in the period, with Carson Gallagher scoring his team-leading 14th goal of the year to tie things up at one. This allowed the fans to rain down 1001 teddy bears and stuffed animals onto the ice for the Teddy Bear Toss.
New Jersey regained the lead early in the 3rd period, with Matthew Iasenza scoring on a breakaway for the 2-1 lead. The Tomahawks struck back to tie the game at two, thanks to Pavel Kharin’s fifth goal of the season. Over four minutes later, however, the Titans would retake the lead for good on Kyle Jeffers’ goal. Mitch Machlitt would score an empty net goal to seal the deal for New Jersey.
With the loss, Johnstown remains in second place in the East division with 38 points. New Jersey stays in first place with 41 points.
Scoring Breakdown:
1st Period Recap
- 5:57 New Jersey goal scored by Cade Penney, assisted by Nick DeSantis.
2nd Period Recap
- 18:42 Johnstown goal scored by Carson Gallagher, assisted by Malik Alishlalov and Bennett Stockdale.
3rd Period Recap
- 1:46 New Jersey goal scored by Matthew Iasenza, assisted by Danny Dimon and Kyler Head.
- 11:05 Johnstown goal scored by Pavel Kharin, unassisted.
- 15:49 New Jersey goal scored by Kyle Jeffers, assisted by Chris Garbe and Danny Dimon.
- 19:27 New Jersey empty net goal scored by Mitch Machlitt, assisted by Cam Gendron.
Final Shots on Goal count: Johnstown Tomahawks (37) | New Jersey Titans (28)
Three Stars of the Game:
- Kyle Jeffers, New Jersey
- Carson Gallagher, Johnstown
- Pavel Kharin, Johnstown
Looking Ahead:
The Tomahawks will travel to Middletown Township, New Jersey next weekend to take on the New Jersey Titans on December 13th and 14th. They then return home on Wednesday, December 18th to face the Jamestown Rebels, on a “kids eat free” night.
After that, the Tomahawks will be back at home December 30th and 31st against the Maine Nordiques. Monday night will be our Holiday Music Fest, featuring local bands playing all of your favorite holiday hits. Then, on Tuesday night, join us as we ring in the New Year as a part of our New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Tickets are available in-person at the 1ST SUMMIT ARENA Box Office and online at www.1stSummitArena.com/go/Tomahawks.