The Johnstown Tomahawks defeated the New Jersey Titans in overtime, 4-3 on Friday night.
The opening period began in the customary intense style of an East Division rivalry, as both teams aimed for crucial points. The Tomahawks initiated the scoring when Hayes Hundley, assisted by Will Moore and Cade Baker, netted a goal, granting them a 1-0 advantage against the New Jersey Titans. Captain Zach Aben, making a comeback from an injury-related absence, further extended the Tomahawks’ lead to 2-0, with assists from Will Lawrence and Nick White. However, just before the buzzer sounded, the Titans managed to score a goal, narrowing the Tomahawks’ lead to 2-1 at the conclusion of the first period.
The second period was all New Jersey as the Titans would score two unanswered goals despite the Tomahawks best efforts. The Titans would end the period with a one-goal lead on the Tomahawks.
Chase Sandhu found the back of the net for the Tomahawks to begin the scoring in the third period, assisted by Lukas Klemm and Taylor Aldrich, leveling the game at 3. Despite a spirited effort from both teams, the 20 minutes proved insufficient, leading them into overtime. The hunger for victory was palpable in the bonus period, with Tomahawks’ goalie Jacob Osborne making extraordinary saves to maintain the tie. In a thrilling conclusion, Justin Gibson, with assists from Justin Rapp and Lukas Klemm, emerged as the overtime hero, securing a dramatic win for the Tomahawks with just 11 seconds left on the clock.
The Tomahawks will face the Titans for game two tomorrow night at 7 o’clock. Get your tickets now on www.johnstowntomahawks.com! Stay up to date with the Johnstown Tomahawks by following us on social media.