Article Written by Aidan Charde
Recap: Johnstown Tomahawks on Oct. 14 and 15
For the first time all season, the Rochester Jr. Americans exited last weekend’s games without any points to show after two regulation losses to the Johnstown Tomahawks.
It was an unlucky weekend for the team, who outshot the Tomahawks 68–43 and scored first in both games. The Jr. Amerks came out of the locker room for the first game with blistering speed, scoring less than 30 seconds in courtesy of forward Adam Gionta. But even with 16 shots on goal in the period, the Jr. Amerks could not score again, letting Johnstown tie it late in the first. The Tomahawks would snag the lead in the middle of the second frame, the final goal of the game, and Rochester fell 2–1.
Gionta struck first again in game two, this time waiting until six minutes had passed to get the scoring started. Once again, Johnstown tied the game in the first frame before exploding for three goals in the second period to take a 4–1 lead.
Rochester fought back valiantly, adding two more goals to make it a respectable 4–3, but could not get the equalizer. The Jr. Amerks had two periods with 15+ shots on goal during the weekend, but only managed one goal in each of them, failing to capitalize on good chances.
Rochester now has to regroup and rebound for a series at home against the Danbury Hat Tricks. A win is much needed for this squad, who is looking to avoid a fourth straight loss — which would be the longest losing streak in team history.
Preview: Oct. 25 and 26 vs. Danbury Hat Tricks
WHEN: Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. | Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Rochester Ice Center | Fairport, NY
PROMOTIONS: Oct. 25 – Oktoberfest | Oct. 26 – Halloween Night
WATCH: NAHL.tv
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
Last season, the Jr. Amerks cruised to three victories in four matchups with the Hat Tricks with a +17 goal differential. This year, the teams have only met once so far and the two contests were much closer. Rochester took game one 3–2 but fell in game two 4–3.
Gionta surging in October
After failing to register on the stat sheet on October 5, forward Adam Gionta has exploded for four goals and four assists over the last five games. He was the first goal scorer in each of the last two games and has found the net in three consecutive contests.
Leroux shines, Wade looks to regroup
In a limited sample size last year, Danick Leroux was one of the best goalies in the NAHL. It took him some time, but it seems like he has finally found that form after a slow start to the season. He has allowed four goals in the last four games he saw the ice in, including a shutout against Maryland. Wade started the season with a goals allowed average just over two through four games, but now has allowed four goals in three consecutive appearances. In each of his last two games, the opponent rattled off a run of at least three consecutive goals in a short time that ultimately iced the game. Back on home ice, Wade will certainly look to recapture some of his early season form.
A tale of two nights
Through the first few games of the season, the Jr. Amerks have shown some flashes of what they had at the end of last season, but it has been mixed with some far from perfect play. It has been pretty black-and-white too, as the team’s performance on Fridays and Saturdays could not be more different. The series against the Tomahawks was Rochester’s first loss on Friday all season, where they have a record of 4–1–0, but Saturday games have given them a record of 1–2–2. In part, this has been because of three straight Saturday games where the Jr. Amerks have lost 4–3.
Watch out for Omicioli
In just 14 games this season, the Danbury Hat Tricks have already reached over a third of their goals scored from all 60 games last year. A large part of that is due to the breakout of forward Gates Omicioli, who is currently leading the NAHL with 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists). After scoring the second-fewest goals as a team last season, the Hat Tricks have the fifth-most this year. Unfortunately, they also have allowed the most goals so far this year.
