The Johnstown Tomahawks defeated the Elmira Aviators by a final score of 3-2, on Saturday night.
The first period was quiet but filled with offensive pressure. The Tomahawks hit the ice ready to go, with Zack Ferris returning to the lineup. Ferris, a 2005-born goaltender, played 27 games for Johnstown in the 2023-2024 season. After starting this year with the West Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL, he rejoined the Tomahawks earlier in the week. Despite their offensive efforts, both teams went to the locker room tied at zero after the first period.
Elmira struck quickly in the second period, scoring two back-to-back goals to take a 2-0 lead over Johnstown. However, with four minutes left and a power-play opportunity, Ryan Flaherty put the Tomahawks on the board, assisted by Taybor Aldrich and Dylan Shane. Just 21 seconds later, Lukas Klemm tied it up at 2-2 with an assist from Nick White. The teams headed into the second intermission locked in a tie.
The third period was a hard-fought battle, with both teams searching for the game-winner. In the final minute of regulation, Cullen Emery scored his first goal of the season, putting Johnstown ahead. The Tomahawks held on to defeat the Elmira Aviators 3-2, with goaltender Zack Ferris stopping 32 of 34 shots on net.
The Tomahawks will face the Aviators for a Sunday afternoon showdown tomorrow at 1 PM. Fans can watch live on nahltv.com or follow along on the Tomahawks social media channels. Your Johnstown Tomahawks will be back home next weekend to face the Rochester Jr. Americans. Get your tickets now at, www.johnstowntomahawks.com.