SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels (7-11-0-2) opened their weekend series with a strong showing Friday night, defeating the Johnstown Tomahawks (8-7-3-0) 4-1 at Hollydell Ice Arena.
Defenseman Marshall Swanson tallied a goal and two assists, while goaltender Ben Varsa made 27 saves to anchor a confident defensive effort as the Rebels earned their first win of November. Forward Justin Vlassis also recorded his first multi-point night of the season.
Philadelphia opened the scoring early in the first period when Charlie Spencer buried his fifth goal of the season off a setup from Alex Lunski and Swanson, giving the Rebels a 1-0 advantage after one.
In the second period, Vlassis doubled the lead to make it 2-0. The tally marked the first goal of the season. The Tomahawks answered late in the frame as Nick Jarmain netted a power-play goal for his 15th of the season, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
The Rebels quickly regained control when Swanson fired a shot through traffic that beat goaltender Zack Ferris, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3-1. The goal marked Swanson’s first career NAHL goal.
Philadelphia sealed the win late in the third period when Lunski scored with just under two minutes remaining to secure the 4-1 victory.
The game carried a physical edge throughout, with several penalties and a series of scrums in the third period. Philadelphia’s penalty kill stood tall and played a key role in limiting the Tomahawks’ dangerous power play.
Friday’s win came on a special night at Hollydell Ice Arena as the Rebels kicked off the Ellie Koerner Leukemia Foundation Toy Drive, collecting toys and donations for children and families during the holiday season.
The Rebels and Tomahawks wrap up their two-game series Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hollydell Ice Arena.