Rebels Complete Comeback with Spitznagel Overtime Winner

October 1, 2022 – North American Hockey League (NAHL) – Philadelphia Rebels News Release

JOHNSTOWN, PA – The Philadelphia Rebels (3-4-0-0, 6 pts) made their first divisional road trip a successful one on Saturday with a 4-3 overtime win over the Johnstown Tomahawks (1-4-2-0, 4 pts).

Greg Spitznagel (2) scored the game winner on a powerplay, giving the Rebels their third win of the year. The game saw the Rebels fall behind 3-1 early in the second period before battling all the way back to win the game.

The game remained scoreless until there was 2:21 left in the first period when Johnny Ulicny scored for Johnstown on a two-on-one.

Sixteen seconds later, Philadelphia answered quickly when Trever Burns was able to tie the game on a sharp angle shot from the right circle. Burns was able to carry the puck in the offensive zone and beat a defenseman before ripping off a shot that beat Tomahawks’ goalie Matt O’Donnell short-side. Tyler Stern and Sonny DiNubile earned the helpers on Burns’ first of the year.

With just seconds remaining in the period, Will Bowman fired a shot into the net to give Johnstown a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission.

Early in the second period, while playing at four-on-four, Tyler Desrochers fired a shot past Jakub Krbecek, giving Johnstown a 3-1 lead.

Krbecek earned his third win of the year, making 27 saves.

Klaus Jogi was able to bring the Rebels back within a goal on a breakaway. Jogi snapped a shot off from his forehand, beating O’Donnell glove-side. David Deputy was the Rebel able to spring Jogi on the break, giving him his fourth assist on Jogi’s team-leading third goal of the year.

Just past the midway point of the third, Kris Samitis was able to tie the game at three apiece on a one-timer from the high slot. Max Hamstad and Sonny DiNubile got the assists on Samitis’ first career NAHL goal. Samitis’ goal seized momentum in the third period for Philadelphia.

With 2:23 left in regulation, Hamstad drew a hooking penalty, giving Philadelphia a chance to go ahead on the powerplay. The Rebels could not get it done on the powerplay, sending the game to overtime.

In the three-on-three extra session, Hamstad had a golden opportunity to win the game after receiving a pass while he was all alone in front of the net. O’Donnell made the save to keep Johnstown in the game.

An overtime power play for Philadelphia led to the winner for Spitznagel.

The Rebels return to action on Friday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at home against Northeast to begin a two-game series.

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