BLAINE, MN — The Johnstown Tomahawks (1-3-1) responded in a big way Thursday afternoon, putting together what was easily their most complete performance of the young season defeating the Oklahoma Warriors (2-1-0) by a final score of 5-1 in their second game of the 2026 NAHL Showcase. The game was the first between the two teams in NAHL history. Tomahawks captain Jack Genovese found the back of the net for his first goal and point of the season. Evan Kensey scored a shorthanded breakaway goal and the Tomahawks got scoring from all throughout the lineup with Justin Chiras, Ethan Coots and Conor Griffin also finding the back of the net. Dylan Bourque made his first Tomahawks start (appeared in relief versus MYD last weekend) and was impressive, turning aside 28 of the Warriors 29 shots.
After a tough opening game against the Minnesota Wilderness just under 24 hours prior, the Tomahawks came out with plenty of energy and quickly put Oklahoma on their heels – something they needed to execute desperately to open up a hockey game. Johnstown controlled much of the early play and they were rewarded just over four minutes into the game as Jack Genovese finished off a chance from newly assembled line mates Conner Maione and Lane Glende to give the Hawks’ an early 1-0 lead. Oklahoma tried to respond throughout the remainder of the frame, but Johnstown’s defense and goaltending held firm to keep the Warriors off the board. The Tomahawks outshot Oklahoma 11-10 through the opening 20 minutes and carried their one-goal advantage into the first intermission.
The second period saw the Tomahawks continue to build on their strong start as Evan Kensey doubled the lead just over four minutes into the frame, scoring his team-leading third goal of the season to make it a 2-0 game. Kensey put all of his skills as a penalty kill specialist on display on the unassisted goal, showcasing his defensive IQ, blazing speed and ability to finish. Oklahoma continued to battle, but Johnstown kept the pressure on and added another just over seven minutes later as defenseman Justin Chiras found the back of the net to give the Hawks’ a three-goal cushion. Chiras rejoined the Tomahawks a couple of weeks ago after spending time with the Madison Capitols (USHL). The period also began to take on a more physical and chippy tone, with both teams spending plenty of time in the box. Johnstown was forced to kill off several Oklahoma power plays, including a double minor high-sticking call assessed to Ryan Tartaglione, but the penalty kill came through big-time and kept the Warriors off the scoreboard. Despite taking on 20 minutes in penalties throughout almost 40 minutes, the Tomahawks’ special teams unit continued to deliver when it mattered most. Johnstown added 11 more shots in the second period to take a 22-20 advantage in the category heading into the final break while carrying the commanding 3-0 lead.
The third period began with Oklahoma finally finding a breakthrough as Jackson Hone cut into the Tomahawks’ lead just over seven minutes into the frame, making it a 3-1 game and giving the Warriors some life with plenty of time on their side. However, Johnstown responded exactly how they needed to, refusing to let Oklahoma build any momentum as Ethan Coots restored the three-goal advantage just over four minutes later with his third goal of the season, a beautiful wrap around tuck that was set assisted by Evan Kensey. The Hawks’ continued to pressure the Warriors in the closing minutes and eventually added one more to put the game out of reach with an empty net goal from defenseman Conor Griffin making it 5-1 late. Johnstown’s offense continued to generate chances throughout the final frame, finishing the matinee showdown with 12 shots in the third period and 34 for the game. The Tomahawks also went a perfect 6-for-6 on the penalty kill. After dropping their opening game of the Showcase, and their first three of the regular season, the Tomahawks responded with a dominant 5-1 victory to earn their first win of the 2026-27 season.
Johnstown will now close out the NAHL Showcase Friday morning and look to keep the momentum rolling against the Grand Junction River Hawks. Puck drop is set for 10:00AM tomorrow morning from Blaine. Catch all of the action LIVE on NATV!
BY: DREW PFEIL