MIDDLETOWN, N.J. – The Johnstown Tomahawks narrowly defeated the New Jersey Titans 2-1 Saturday night at the Middletown Sports Complex.
The Tomahawks scored the game’s first goal for the second time in as many nights when Nick Bruce wristed a shot past the blocker side of Titans netminder Brandon Perrone. Hayden Rowan and Daniil Bokun assisted on Bruce’s 18th of the season.
The physicality picked up for the remainder of the first period but the Tomahawks maintained a 1-0 lead as the period closed.
Johnstown added to its advantage at 13:19 of the second period as Mitchell Hale scored his second goal of the weekend and fifth of the season. The goal came unassisted.
From there, the Tomahawks defense stepped up and prevented many scoring chances as the period ended.
However, the Titans’ persistence paid off at 11:15 of the third period. Gordie Helmuth scored after Tyler Antonucci centered a pass to him in the slot.
Despite a late New Jersey power play, the Tomahawks fended off any Titans chance at goaltender Drew Hotte to hold onto the 2-1 victory.
Johnstown returns to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena March 17-18 for a St. Patrick’s Green Out Weekend. The team will wear specialty Irish jerseys against the Aston Rebels presented by the Holiday Inn.