Your Jamestown Ironmen (36-19-4) went into Friday night’s game against the Johnstown Tomahawks (27-20-12) looking to secure a first round bye in the upcoming playoff season by clinching 2^nd place with a win at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.  The Ironmen failed to take the first game in the two game set, forcing them to take away a win in Saturday’s matchup to clinch the bye. 

The first period of play was action packed as the Tomahawks jumped out to a two goal lead with goals by Cobi Smith-Mass and Brandon Reinholz.  Assisting on those goals were Reinholz, Jeff Bergh, and Connor Wright.  The first set also included physical play including a big check by Ironmen forward Huba Sekesi, and a fight between Jamestown’s Ross Pavek and Johnstown’s Jake Fairchild.  The second period didn’t see any goals added to the scoreboard on either side, and shots on goal were limited as well.  Physicality from both teams kept play on the ice exciting including another big check against the boards by Sekesi, but the Ironmen were still left with a two goal deficit heading into the final frame. 

Mitch Hall added the Tomahawk’s third goal early in the third period, assisted by Reinholz and Wright with empty net goals towards the end of the third by Wright and Jordan Watt both unassisted.  Goaltender Joey Ballmer struggled to catch his bearings from the get go while on the offensive side of the puck, the Ironmen missed on a few breakaway opportunities throughout the game.  Ballmer’s record now falls to 8-5 on the season, while Johnstown goaltender Chris Truehl earned his first shutout in North American League play.

First Star of the game was Brandon Reinholz (Johnstown F) 1 Goal, 2 Assists.  Second Star of the game was Chris Truehl (Johnstown G) 22 Saves, 0 Goals Against.  Third Star of the game was Connor Wright (Johnstown F) 1 Goal, 2 Assists.

The Ironmen take on Johnstown again at 5pm at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, and will honor the parents and billet families of the players before puck drop.  Also a reminder that if you use the code “BLUE” when purchasing your ticket to today’s game $1 of each ticket will be donated to the Blue Star Mothers of America organization.  Blue Star Mothers of America provides support to active duty and veteran military personnel in our community.