The Johnstown Tomahawks erased a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4 over the Maine Nordiques in a shootout on Saturday night in Johnstown.
The first goal of the game wasn’t scored until there was only three minutes remaining in the opening period when Maine’s Evan Orloff found the back of the net. Despite 12 shots on goal in the period, the Tomahawks were unable to find the equalizer to end the period.
Maine’s Aidan Connolly scored early in the 2nd period to extend the lead to 2 for the Nordiques. The Tomahawks put up another 12 shots in the middle frame and although they had ample opportunities, they were not able to find the back of the net again.
Maine drew first blood again in the 3rd with Brendan Gibbons scoring a fluke of a goal to give Maine a 3-0 lead in the first 52 seconds of the period. The Tomahawks had a little bit of life when Egan Schmitt netted the first goal of the game for Johnstown with 13:40 remaining in regulation with a shorthanded goal. Maine responded with Filip Wiberg scoring to make it a three-goal game again just 1:44 later to make it 4-1 in favor of the Nordiques. Johnstown responds again as Holt Oliphant tightened the gap, making it 4-2 with 8:13 to go in the game. Jake Black snipes a puck to the back of the net on the power play, making it a one-goal game for Johnstown with 2:43 to go in regulation. Jacob Badal ties it up then with 1:28 remaining in regulation, erasing Maine’s 4-0 lead and forcing overtime.
The game was decided in a shootout where the Tomahawks went on to win by a final score of 5-4.
The Tomahawks are back next weekend in Johnstown to face off against the Jamestown Rebels Friday, February 18 and Saturday, February 15 at 1ST SUMMIT ARENA. Don’t forget Friday night Pittsburgh Steelers legend Rocky Bleier will be in attendance to meet fans. Get your tickets and be here!