JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown Tomahawks had their nine-game winning streak snapped after the Kenai River Brown Bears skated away with a 5-1 win Saturday night at the Cambria County War Memorial.
Coming into tonight’s contest, the Tomahawks captured nine consecutive victories. However, Kenai River panned to plan spoiler.
The Brown Bears got on the board first when Jon Marzec lifted a shot over the shoulder of Tomahawks goalie Drew Hotte early in the first period. Anthony Tzveyn assisted on the goal.
Kenai River added to its lead at 11:29 of the first period after Tyler Rock netted a goal on the power play. Marzec assisted on the tally.
The scoring didn’t stop for the Brown Bears as Shayne Monahan scored at 17:32 in the first period. The goal was assisted by Evan Butcher and Lucas Carroll.
Hotte was replaced by Vinnie Purpura in net to start the second period, but the Brown Bears quickly piled on the lead.
Butcher’s goal nine seconds into the second period gave Kenai River the 4-0 lead.
Johnstown finally got on the scoreboard at 18:58 of the second period. Joe Kile converted a shorthanded two-on-one to cut the Brown Bears lead to 4-1.
Kenai River added an empty net goal late in the third period by Ryan Mezera. The goal came unassisted.
The Tomahawks earned solid chances against Kenai River goaltender Robbie Goor, but it was to no avail as the Brown Bears skated to a 5-1 victory.
In the win, Goor halted 27 of 28 Tomahawks shots on net for his eighth victory of the season. Hotte sustained the loss to move his record to 12-6-1 on the season.
Both teams are back to conclude the series Sunday, Jan. 8 at the War Memorial. Faceoff is set for 3 p.m.