Johnstown Tomahawks at full strength in net as New Jersey Titans visit

Key Highlights

• 23. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEmergency backup Ryan Lombardo, a 16-year-old Bellefonte Area High School product, played the final 20 minutes and stopped 12 of 14 shots in a 5-0 loss.
• Lombardo had to contend with a Rochester 5-on-3 as well as a five-minute major power play. Houli said the NAHL eventually reversed its course regarding Ferris’ expected suspension Saturday, but the team decided to utilize emergency backup goaltender Luc Beauparlant – the son of Tomahawks assistant coach Geoff Beauparlant – because of the uncertainty ahead of the league ruling.“Ferris actually had his fight (suspension) rescinded, but we kept him out for precautionary reasons so we needed to use an emergency backup,” Houli said.
• “Geoff’s son is a goaltender in the league (Eastern Hockey League) I was formerly in, so we knew he could step up to the plate.”The younger Beauparlant made 25 saves in 65 minutes as the Tomahawks fell 3-2 in an overtime shootout. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Luc had junior experience, which helped,” Houli said.
• “Our team really rallied around him, playing strong in front of him and doing the little details right.“Last Saturday night is the perfect example of when we execute the small details the right way, we can play with one of the better teams in the division.”The Tomahawks (17-15-7) have 41 points, one point behind New Jersey (19-15-4). Johnstown is 3-4-3 in its past 10 games, and the Titans are 3-6-1 in that same span.
• Both teams look for momentum as the NAHL playoffs loom.