MIDDLETOWN, N.J. – A three-goal first period paced the Johnstown Tomahawks to a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Titans at Middletown Ice World.
Johnstown scored the game’s first goal at the 11:44 mark when Alex Wilkins’ backhanded shot beat Titans goalie Brandon Perrone for a 1-0 Tomahawks lead. His first of the season was assisted by Chris Trouba and Carson Brière.
Just 15 seconds later, the Tomahawks increased their lead to 2-0 after Christian Gorscak’s shot found the twine for his fourth of the season. Anthony Szurlej and Wilkins picked up the assists.
The Tomahawks weren’t done scoring goals as Brière added his third of the season on the power play at the 12:19 mark of the first period. Oliver Benwell and Cam Hebert assisted on the goal.
After the marker, the Titans pulled Perrone in favor of Matthew Ladd.
In the second period, New Jersey broke through Tomahawks goalie Carter McPhail with a goal from Gavin Gulash just 45 seconds into the frame.
After the goal, the Tomahawks added goals of their own.
Sam Solensky skated past Titans defenders and slipped the puck five-hole on Ladd for a 4-1 Johnstown advantage. Bennett Stockdale assisted on Solensky’s third of the season.
Minutes later, before the end of the second period, the Tomahawks increased their lead to 5-1 with another goal from Solensky. Stockdale and Pavel Kharin assisted.
The Titans added a goal at the 5:09 mark of the third period when Brody Medeiros fired a shot from the blue line past McPhail.
The Tomahawks return to 1ST SUMMIT ARENA for the home opener on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Former Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward will be on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck. His appearance is presented by 1st Summit Bank, GapVax, Toyota and UPMC Health Plan.
