DANBURY, CT– A dominant first period performance put the Johnstown Tomahawks on top to stay as they bested the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks 4-1 on Friday afternoon.
Though it was a special occasion for the Hat Tricks as they welcomed fans back into Danbury Arena for the first time since November, Johnstown spoiled the homecoming with an intense pace and physical play. Tomahawks forward William Persson opened the scoring just 1:15 into the first period to give the Tomahawks an early lead.
Johnstown would soon strike again, executing on a power play. Alex Gritz capitalized on a crisp assist from Will Margel for the Tomahawks’ second goal of the game. Margel would have his name called once more moments later, roofing a breakaway chance over Danbury netminder Edvard Nordlund to extend the lead to 3-0.
Danbury came out for the second period with improved fire, as Porter Schachle buried a one-timer off a Mark D’Agostino drop pass to get the Jr. Hat Tricks on the board just 37 seconds into the frame.
Penalty trouble would prove costly for Danbury, though. Tomahawk Dusty Geregach would score his first career NAHL goal on the powerplay midway through the second period, stymying the Danbury comeback effort.
“They got a lot of speed coming, and we weren’t prepared for it,” Jr. Hat Tricks head coach Billy McCreary said of the Tomahawks’ early offensive barrage. “We’ve gotta match it. We’ve gotta be ready for it.”
The Jr. Hat Tricks seek revenge tomorrow afternoon as they host the Tomahawks at Danbury Arena at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here.
By Johnny Alexandre