JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Philadelphia Rebels (20-29-3-6) used a dominant middle frame and timely scoring to defeat the Johnstown Tomahawks (24-25-5-4) 6-2 on Friday night, snapping a six-game skid and picking up a key road win in their final weekend of the regular season.
Thomas Klochkov opened the scoring for Philadelphia late in the first period, giving the Rebels an early 1-0 lead. Johnstown answered midway through the second, as William Stewart found the back of the net to even the game at 1-1.
The Rebels responded quickly. Less than two minutes later, Jordan Brothers buried his team-leading 18th goal of the season to restore the lead and swing momentum back in Philadelphia’s favor.
From there, the Rebels took control.
Jake Schultz extended the lead to 3-1 with under four minutes remaining in the second period, finishing off a strong offensive push. Philadelphia struck again in the final minute of the period when Billy Sheridan capitalized on a breakaway, going to the backhand after a high, looping neutral-zone pass from Ryan Bunting to give the Rebels a 4-1 advantage heading into the third.
Philadelphia kept the pressure on early in the final frame, as Emmet McClaine buried his second goal as a Rebel to make it 5-1.
Johnstown cut into the deficit with a goal from Emerson Marshall, but the Rebels quickly answered once again. Captain Joe Stauber capped the scoring with a power-play goal, ripping a shot from the slot to push the lead to 6-2.
Ben Varsa was strong in net for Philadelphia, turning aside 36 of 38 shots as the Rebels were outshot 38-28 but controlled the scoreboard with efficient offense and timely execution.
Sheridan finished with a goal and two assists, while Bunting added a pair of assists. Brothers, Schultz, McClaine, Klochkov and Stauber each found the back of the net as Philadelphia showcased scoring depth throughout the lineup.
The Rebels went 1-for-3 on the power play and held Johnstown scoreless on four opportunities. Philadelphia will look to carry the momentum from Friday’s win into the regular season finale on Saturday. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m.