The Maryland Black Bears hosted the Johnstown Tomahawks for the second time this season as they looked to build off of a 1-0 win over the Maine Nordiques last Saturday.
The Black Bears decided to start the scoring early and often, striking thrice in the first period en route to a 5-2 win over Johnstown.
Forward Harrison Smith started the scoring for Maryland with two first period goals for a 2-0 lead. Less than a minute later, Black Bears’ forward Jaden Sikura got the puck alone in front of the net and deked to his backhand past Johnstown Zach Ferris to make it 3-0. Johnstown responded early in the second with a rebound goal from Jack Genovese to cut the deficit to 3-1.
But the Black Bears would not be deterred, as less than five minutes later forward and captain Owen Drury put home a rebound on the near side of the net to make the score 4-1.
In the third period, Tomahawks’ forward Domeniks Domokejevs cut the lead to 4-2, but Maryland goaltender Ryan Denes made big saves down the stretch.
Black Bears’ forward Brady Anes iced the game with an empty net goal to make the final score 5-2.
Ryan Denes made 17 saves in the win while Zach Ferris made 25 in the loss.
Maryland and Johnstown take the ice again on Saturday, February 7th, at 7:00 p.m. ET on Piney Orchard Ice Arena. All games can be streamed on NATV.
Match Report courtesy Maryland Black Bears
