The Johnstown Tomahawks will come back home to the 1ST SUMMIT Arena this weekend for just their second home stand of the season as they play host to the East Division leading Maryland Black Bears. Puck drop for Friday night’s contest will be at 7:30PM on October 17th and 7:00PM on Saturday, October 18th.
A LOOK BACK AT LAST SEASON
We’re set for another exciting weekend of hockey at 1ST SUMMIT Arena versus the Maryland Black Bears but first here’s how we fared in the matchups last season.
Maryland has been in the NAHL for about half of the time that the Tomahawks have been, currently playing in their 8th season. The Black Bears have also been one of the most successful teams during this time as they’ve achieved a winning record in all but two seasons, with those being the inaugural and the second season. Through their first seven full seasons plus the 11 games played this season, Maryland has a strong all time record of 206-148-51. The Tomahawks are coming off a tough loss last Saturday in Rochester but will look to keep pace with the Black Bears in the East and perhaps jump them and overtake 1st place if they were to sweep the series. Maryland currently holds a 9-1-1 record with 19 points, while the Tomahawks sit right on their heels with a 7-2-2 record and 16 points.
Last year the Tomahawks and Black Bears faced off eight times, which contrary to my statement last week, is actually the only matchup annually on the Hawks’ in-division schedule that shows up eight times, while the others show up six times. The Tomahawks ended up winning the season series five games to three, capturing crucial points in the East Division standings. Unlike their rivalry with Rochester, the two teams did not end up meeting in the playoffs, as they were both bounced in their round 1 matchups. All eight games played out in relatively tight fashion with five of the eight finishing with wins by two goals or less. The biggest loss from either side came from a four-goal win for Maryland in Johnstown. The Tomahawks got the last laugh, winning the final game by a score of 3-2 at home.
NOV 15TH – 5-3 W IN JOHNSTOWN
NOV 16TH – 4-3 W IN JOHNSTOWN
NOV 29TH – 1-4 L AT MARYLAND
NOV 30TH – 4-1 W AT MARYLAND
FEB 7TH – 5-3 W AT MARYLAND
FEB 8TH – 2-3 L AT MARYLAND
APR 4TH – 1-5 L IN JOHNSTOWN
APR 5TH – 3-2 W IN JOHNSTOWN
TOMAHAWKS WIN SERIES FIVE GAMES TO THREE
2025-2026 KEYS TO THE MATCHUP
- Tomahawks first year Head Coach Adam Houli will look to bring his team together after a tough loss by 9 goals in their last game. This will be a big test for them to see how they respond.
- The Black Bears are riding a 5-game win streak and have only two losses on the season.
- After a historic start to the season, The Tomahawks are still in great position but will need to step up big time this weekend or the following weekend. This weekend will kick off four-straight games against the Black Bears.
- The two leading scorers in the entire NAHL will face off as Nick Jarmain has 12G-8A-20P in 11 games and sits at #1, while Maryland forward Harrison Smith sits at #2 with 5G-15A-20P through just 9 games.
It’s going to be an exciting weekend at 1ST SUMMIT Arena and we have multiple ways to save on tickets!
CHARLES 60TH BDAY OFFER (2for$17) – https://www.ticketmaster.com/johnstown-tomahawks-tickets/artist/1760594
- Get two tickets for just $17! (plus applicable fees*) Endzone seating ONLY – (excludes SEC 3+4 / SEC 14 +15)*
FALL INTO HOCKEY BOGO OFFER – https://www.gofevo.com/group/FallOffer25
- Buy two tickets for the price of one during the Fall months! *All seats available aside from glass seating*
BY: DREW P. PFEIL