WEEKEND PREVIEW:
After earning their first sweep of the young season and coming out victorious in three straight games, the Tomahawks were sent to an unfortunately timed bye-week and had the week off from practice last week, as well as no games over the weekend. The opportunity and ability to rest, certainly didn’t hurt the group, but the potential lost momentum that the team seemed to be building over the last month coming to a halt might have. The Tomahawks will look to extinguish any concerns of rust early on in the first period on Friday night with a fast start versus the Titans.
JTN:
Evan Kensey still leads the way for the Tomahawks, with 15 points (3G, 12A) through his first 12 games. Returning defenseman Conor Griffin has not slowed down either, as the second of three players on the roster who averages at least a point/game with 13 points (2G, 11A) in 12 games. The third being Sam Esposito who has 12 points (4G, 8A) and was named PA Lottery Player of the Week last week for his performance on home ice versus the Philadelphia Rebels. Conner Maione and Ethan Coots are tied for the team-lead in goals with five.
Goaltending
The Tomahawks have been getting solid goaltending all season, but especially of late. Luc Beauparlant and Matt Wood have solidified their 1A/1B tandem for Johnstown and will look to continue their hot stretches. Both goaltenders have made appearances each weekend, which could also be expected versus the Titans.
- Luc Beauparlant – 1-1-2 | .930SV% | 2.46GAA
- Matthew Wood – 3-2-1 | .902SV% | 3.08GAA | 1SO
NJT:
The Titans are led by forward Joe Pocrnic who has recorded balanced offensive production with 14 points (7G, 7A) through 16 games played. Pocrnic failed to record any points in his last outing on Tuesday afternoon, but has scored goals in each game versus the Tomahawks this season. The Titans have no players who are currently averaging a point/game pace, and just three players who have recorded 10+ points. New Jersey has brought back nine skaters from their team last season, highlighted by two former Tomahawks in Josh Bostedo and Hudson Slenker, who will be making their return to Johnstown.
Goaltending
Goaltending has been one of the Titans’ biggest strengths so far this season, but through two games the Tomahawks haven’t had any issues finding the back of the net scoring seven goals. Bely was the victor in the two contests with the Hawks’ so far, getting a 3-2 shootout win. Krcmar surrendered five goals on 25 shots in a 5-2 loss.
- Simon Krcmar – 4-2-1 | .902SV% | 2.67GAA
- Andrew Bely – 4-1-4 | .928SV% | 2.26GAA
