sports@tribdem.com
BLAINE, Minn. —
The Johnstown Tomahawks lost 4-2 to the Brookings Blizzard in the NAHL Showcase Tournament at Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn., on Wednesday.
The Tomahawks remain winless (0-2-1) in their first three games in the Tier II Junior A North American Hockey League.
Brookings took a 1-0 advantage on Grant Eichstadt’s first-period goal, but Johnstown knotted the score via Jordan Watt’s goal 3:06 into the second period.
Brandon Brossoit assisted on the play.
Brookings took command by netting the next three goals in front of a crowd estimated at 1,200.
Thomas Williams made it 2-1 with only 1:08 left in the middle period.
Justin Moody found the net 31 seconds into the third period, and Nick DeCenzo scored at 3:13 to make it 4-1.
Johnstown rebounded with a goal by Cody Gylling. That power-play tally came with 18 seconds left in the game.
Johnstown outshot Brookings 31-25.
Blizzard goaltender Drew Weigman made 29 saves. Tomahawks goalie Brodhi Engum stopped 21 of 25 shots on goal.
Brookings misfired on eight power-play opportunities. Johnstown converted 1 of 6 power plays.
The Tomahawks continue play in the Showcase today against Kenai River at 4:45 p.m.
Johnstown then will play Austin at 7:45 on Friday, and face Corpus Christi at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
