Weekend Preview: Johnstown vs. Janesville

Nov 27, 2014

        The Tomahawks return home for a Thanksgiving weekend showdown with the division leading Jansville Jets. The Tomahawks will look to build on their three points earned against Soo last weekend, while continuing to climb in the division standings.

        The Tomahawks enter tonight’s game in a three-way tie for fourth place with Michigan and Keystone. The Tomahawks hold the advantage with 10 wins compared to 9 by Michigan and Keystone.
        The Tomahawks are currently 12 points behind Janesville, 8 points behind Soo, and two points behind Springfield in the division race.
        Johnstown and Janesville have only met eight times during the last two seasons, with Janesville taking five of the eight meetings between the two teams. Last season the Jets took all four meetings between the two teams.
The Tomahawks
        The Tomahawks return home after a successful two-game road trip to Soo last weekend. The Tomahawks earned three of a possible four points this weekend, starting with a 3-2 win on Saturday night. Joe Drabin scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner with 40 seconds left in regulation. Dakoda Menslage scored the first goal for the Tomahawks 3:30 into the first period. Ryan Bednard stopped 37 of 39 shots in the win.
        On Sunday the Tomahawks earned one point, but a late goal denied them the second point in a 2-1 overtime loss. After Dan Weaver got Soo on the board 6:22 into the second period, Zac Robbins tied the game with 57 seconds remaining in the period. Keegan Miller gave the Eagles the win, scoring a power-play goal with 51 seconds remaining in overtime.
        Bednard stopped 35 of 36 shots in the loss, while Andy Lee allowed one goal on the only shot he faced. Lee entered the game after Bednard’s helmet broke, requiring him to leave the game for 1:16.
Following this weekends games, the Tomahawks host Michigan next Sunday at 5 p.m.
The Jets
        Janesville enters this weekend’s games after winning a 6-4 road contest against Austin on Wednesday night. The Jets scored four unanswered goals, after Austin took a 3-2 lead early in the third period. Adam Winborg had two goals, while Brandon Schultz had a goal and two assists. Jared Rutledge earned the win, stopping 21 of 24 shots.
    Following this weekend’s games, the Jets return home to open up a 9-game homestand against Soo.
North Division Update
The other four division teams are in action this weekend, as Michigan hosts Soo and Keystone hosts Springfield tomorrow night and Sunday afternoon.
Facts & Notes

  • Janesville leads the league with 11 road wins this season
  • Johnstown is currently 7th in the NAHL with an 86.20 penalty kill percentage
  • Johnstown, Janesville, and Wenatchee are the only three teams in the league that have not allowed a shorthanded goal this season
  • Johnstown is 1-0 in Black Friday games. They defeated Jamestown 5-3 on Black Friday in 2012.