JOHNSTOWN, Penn. – The Johnstown Tomahawks defeated the Maryland Black Bears 3-2 in the weekend series opener at 1st SUMMIT ARENA.
The Tomahawks struck early in the opening period, with Bennett Stockdale netting his eighth of the year just 1:29 into the game. Noah Basarab scored his 13th of the season over four minutes later to give Johnstown the 2-0 lead.
The Black Bears were held off the scoreboard until halfway through the second period, with Reid Leibold scoring on the power play to cut their deficit in half. But Noah Basarab answered back over 30 seconds later, scoring his second of the night and 14th of the year to put the Tomahawks back up by two.
Early in the 3rd period, Aden Bruich scored on the power play to put Maryland within one once again. They continued to pepper Tomahawks goalie, David Tomeo, but he and the Tomahawks stood tall to come away with the 3-2 victory.
With the win, the Tomahawks now have 50 points on the year. They continue to trail the New Jersey Titans (55) by five points, who defeated the Northeast Generals tonight. In other East Division action, the Jamestown Rebels beat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights, while the Maine Nordiques defeated the Kenai River Brown Bears.
Scoring Breakdown:
1st Period Recap
- 1:29 Johnstown goal scored by Bennett Stockdale, assisted by Matthew Doyle and Tristan Poissant.
- 5:43 Johnstown goal scored by Noah Basarab, assisted by Bennett Stockdale and Liam Whitehouse.
2nd Period Recap
- 10:05 Maryland goal scored by Reid Leibold, assisted by Luke Mountain and Hampus Rydqvist.
- 10:36 Johnstown goal scored by Noah Basarab, assisted by Tristan Poissant and Bennett Stockdale.
3rd Period Recap
- 3:57 Maryland power play goal scored by Aden Bruich, assisted by Hampus Rydqvist and Connor Doherty.
Final Shots on Goal: Johnstown Tomahawks (34) | Maryland Black Bears (28)
Three Stars of the Game:
- Bennett Stockdale, Johnstown
- Noah Basarab, Johnstown
- Tristan Poissant, Johnstown
Looking Ahead:
The Tomahawks will wrap up their weekend series against the Maryland Black Bears tomorrow night, January 18th. It will be a kid’s night, as well as Chopper’s birthday celebration!
They then travel to Middletown for a huge East Division showdown against the New Jersey Titans on January 24th and 25th.
They’ll return home January 31st and February 1st to host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. Friday night will be our Faith & Family Night, while Saturday is our Pucks & Prayers Night.
Tickets are available in-person at the 1ST SUMMIT ARENA Box Office and online at www.1stSummitArena.com/go/Tomahawks.