ODENTON, M.D. – The Johnstown Tomahawks used a two-goal first period to knock off the Maryland Black Bears Saturday night at Piney Orchard Ice Arena by a a score of 4-2.
Scoring Breakdown:
1st Period Recap
Johnstown picked up the offense from yesterday’s contest as two minutes into the frame, Austin Friesen sent a slap shot from the right point that bounced into the net for his fourth goal of the season.
With Maryland in the penalty box, the Tomahawks increased the lead to 2-0 after Carson Brière tallied his 35th goal of the season and 24th on the power play. Oliver Benwell and Sam Solensky picked up the assist.
Maryland regained momentum after Johnstown failed to convert a five-minute power play.
The Black Bears cut the Tomahawks lead to 2-1 with a short-handed goal from Jonathan Young at 13:30 of the first period.
Shots on Goal After the First Period: Johnstown (10) | Maryland (4)
2nd Period Recap
Maryland maintained extended zone time during the second period including several quality scoring chances against Tomahawks goalie Carter McPhail.
Johnstown regained the two-goal lead when Colin Price forced a turnover at the Maryland blueline, skated in and slid the puck to Bennett Stockdale who fired the puck past Maryland netminder David Tomeo.
Stockdale’s goal represents his 14th of the season.
Shots on Goal After the Second Period: Johnstown (23) | Maryland (12)
3rd Period Recap:
Tomahawks forward Andy Nedeljkovic put the Tomahawks up by a score of 4-1 at the 3:25 mark of the third period after he tapped home a Chris Trouba rebound past Tomeo.
Black Bears forward Connor Pooley added a power play goal late int he third period to set the final at 4-2.
NOTES:
With the win, McPhail tied Tomahawks alumnus Drew Hotte for wins with his 24th victory of the season.
The 4-2 win represents Johnstown’s 41st of the season, which is also a new benchmark for the franchise.
Final Shots on Goal: Johnstown (29) | Maryland (25)
Johnstown returns to 1ST SUMMIT ARENA Wednesday, March 6 for a 7 p.m. faceoff with Jamestown.
The homestand continues on Friday, March 8 for Fight Night II presented by Valley Printing. Four-time ECW Heavyweight Champion, “The Franchise” Shane Douglas will drop the ceremonial first puck and sign autographs.
Saturday, March is the annual Guns & Hoses game in conjunction with Brett Keisel Night. The two-time Super Bowl Champion will be on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck and sign autographs for fans.