Wenatchee splits with Johnstown

JOHNSTON, PA. - The Wenatchee Wild kicked off a four-game road trip this past weekend at the Johnstown Tomahawks, splitting two games.

Johnston was able to score two late goals Friday to beat the Wild 6-4 in front of just over 2,200 fans at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

"That's a tough one to lose," head coach Bliss Littler said. "Had the lead three times, that's a tough one to lose. Got to make them (Johnstown) work harder for the goals they scored. We had some good chances, but we just got to make them work a little harder for the goals. Outshoot a team almost 2 - 1. Frustrating."

The Wild took an early lead after Mike Coyne scored on a deflected crossing pass with 16:15 remaining in the first period. Matthew Nuttle and Chris Jones assisted on the power play goal.

After the Tomahawks knotted the score at 1-1 early in the second period, Troy Loggins regained the lead for the Wild scoring on a rebound.

The two teams were evenly matched as once again Johnstown tied the game at 2-2 before Tanner Barnes gave Wenatchee its third lead of the game with 16:20 left in the second period, 3-2. Johnstown tied the game soon after at 3-3.

The Tomahawks took their first lead of the game 30 seconds into the third period. Nuttle tied the game at 4-4 with 14:13 left in the game, but Johnston added two late goals to escape with the win.

Wenatchee rebounded Saturday with a 5-1 win against Johnstown.

Parker Tuomie and Barnes scored twice to lead the Wild over the Tomahawks. Tuomie scored early in the first period to give Wenatchee the lead and followed up with his second goal 35 seconds into the second period. Barnes added another goal and Wenatchee led 3-0 entering the third period. Loggins and Barnes added two more goals in the third period and Wenatchee coasted to a 5-1 victory. The Wild outshot the Tomahawks 42-12 and Chase Perry made 11 saves for Wenatchee.

The Wild are now 9-10-2 and resume play Friday at the Michigan Warriors.