Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo Credit: Patrck Garriepy Photography

The Northeast Generals hosted their home opener on Friday night at the Canton Ice House. A strong crowd filled the stands to witness the 2025-26 homecoming lineup and was delighted as the Generals held a two-goal lead nearly into the third period. However, a six-goal swing spoiled the party and handed the Gens their third straight loss.

The Generals and Tomahawks alternated goals in the first period, leading to a 2-2 tie following 20 minutes of play.

The Generals were locating leaks behind the Tomahawks’ defense with both opening period goals coming off breakaways. Tyler Kelly, who was playing in his first game after being acquired by the Generals mid-week, scored his first of the season, showcasing elite top-end speed on the rush, and returning General Owen O’Rear followed suit on his own breakaway to tie the game 2-2 with under a minute left in the opening frame.

Tomahawks’ first period offense came from Shane Tronowski, who ended up with a hat-trick on the night, and Sean Leetch, who finished with three points.

The Generals dominated the second period, building a two-goal lead, and outshot the Tomahawks 20-12. Logan Poulin scored his first career NAHL goal, and Alec Hall converted on the power play to build a 4-2 Generals’ lead with his first goal of the season.

The turning point of the home opener took place with six seconds left in the middle frame. The Generals were unable to hold on to their insurance, and Tronoski found his second goal of the night, cutting the lead in half heading into the third period.

The Tomahawks never looked back, and the Generals never recovered.

Johnstown added five additional third period goals to run the score to an 8-4 final. Captain Nick Jarmain scored twice, Tronoski secured his hat-trick, while Jacob Ingstrup and Emerson Marshall rounded out the handful.

Keagin Wilson was handed the loss in net, stopping 32 of 40. Meanwhile, Zach Ferris improved to 2-0-0 on the season, turning aside 35 of 39.

The Generals, now 0-2-1-0 and still looking for their first win of the season, will have plenty of motivation to do so in the rematch on Saturday.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm