A late Christmas present for the Northeast Generals, who defeated the Johnstown Tomahawks 3–1 at 1st Summit Arena in their return from the holiday break, stretching their point streak to three games.

 

With a runtime of just over three hours due to a delay caused by a panel of glass breaking behind Johnstown netminder Nikita Oleksiienko, Friday’s matchup officially marked the longest game of the season for the Generals.

 

The delay came at a potentially frustrating point in the game, as the Generals had just swung momentum in their favor. After falling behind 1–0 in the opening frame, Braydon Hudtloff scored the Generals’ East Division leading 10th shorthanded goal of the season off a net-front pass from Spencer Hirsch, who finished the night with two helpers, tying the game at 1–1.

 

The delay lasted just over 30 minutes, resulting in the referees implementing the intermission early with 5:52 remaining in the second frame. That time would carry over into the third period.

 

Following the break, with momentum feeling neutral, the Generals quickly seized control once again.

 

Stephen Fabiano, who earlier had missed a wide-open net opportunity, showed no signs of frustration and buried his third goal of the season with 14:51 remaining in the third frame, which stood as the game winner. Drew Gibbons added an insurance power-play goal to secure the 3–1 victory. Fabiano’s goal snapped a six-game pointless drought, while Gibbons, who finished with a goal and assist, ended an eight-game stretch without a point.

 

Behind it all was a cool and composed performance from goaltender Will Mizenko, who turned aside 32 of 33 shots and appeared unbothered throughout the night. The effort earned him his 12th win of the season and helped the Generals open a three-point gap over the Tomahawks in the East Division standings.

 

The Generals and Tomahawks meet again at 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, with momentum and division ground on the line before the calendar turns.