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The Johnstown Tomahawks enter this weekend's
contests in Kalamazoo, MI with a 6-5-4 record and currently tied for fifth
place in the North American Hockey League's North Division, which holds approximately
eight teams.
Prior to Saturday afternoon's game against the Jr.
K-Wings, the Tomahawks made a deal with the Fresno Monsters.
The Tomahawks sent forward Brandon Brossoit to the Monsters,
in exchange for speedy 1994-born forward Andrew McDonald, who as of today has
one goal and four assists on the season.
"Brossoit is veteran who has played four years at
our level," Tomahawks coach Jason Spence said. "And sometimes a change of
scenery for both players works out in the long run."
As far as what McDonald will bring to the Tomahawks,
Spence had this to say.
"I've watched videos of him and I don't know if I
have seen any player as fast as him."
Spence's Tomahawks are coming off a weekend that was
far from satisfying. Johnstown earned two points last weekend and was shut out
in Saturday's contest by Soo Eagles goalie Tyler Marble.
"We hit three posts in that game but we did not
score any goals," Spence said. "You're not going to win any games if you do not
score goals."
Saturday's contest was also a very physical game and
one that was a lesson for the Tomahawks.
"Things got out of hand with the penalties," Spence
stated. "But we have to be more disciplined."
Spence has his club looking forward to this weekend's
contest against the Jr. K-Wings, who are ahead of Johnstown in the standings by
a single point.
"They have some guys that can put the puck in the
net and guys you do not want open in the slot," said Spence. "We have to be
disciplined and stick together as a team this weekend."
A common theme for the Tomahawks has been the use of
a three-goalie system, a system that Spence plans on continuing.
"I know it is not ideal," Spence said. "But until
one goalie really stands out amongst all of them and tells me they are the guy, I will keep using this system."
Spence brought a hard working team to the Flood City,
and has been impressed with the team's work ethic and overall game, and
mentioned players such as team captain Mitch Kontny, Brandon Reinholz and Cody
Gylling as players who have been effective for the team.
In addition to the team's on-ice success, the
Tomahawks have been enjoying success off the ice.
"I say it has been a huge success," said Spence. "The
biggest thing is the energy because these guys are not playing here with a big contract;
they are here because they want to be here."
The Tomahawks and the Jr. K-Wings face off Saturday
afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
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