Written by Aidan Charde
Recap: Feb. 20 and 21 vs. Elmira Aviators
The Rochester Jr. Americans swept the Elmira Aviators for just the second time in history last weekend, winning a pair of games that took drastically different routes to get to the same final score.
Despite giving up an early goal to fall into a 1–0 hole in the first game, the Jr. Amerks outshot the Aviators 15–8 in the first frame and scored twice from forwards Konner Powell and Ryan Shaw to take a 2–1 lead into the locker room.
In the second frame, Elmira gave Rochester a pair of chances on early power plays, but the team could not capitalize. Eventually, the Aviators tied the contest, but it lasted under three minutes before forward Adam Gionta broke the tie and gave Rochester a 3–2 lead after 40 minutes.
Coming off one of the worst special teams games of the season against Maine the weekend before, Rochester was able to flex its muscles and get back to normal. Both Shaw and Gionta’s goals came on the powerplay, earning them a 2-for-5 mark on the night. On the penalty kill, the team certainly was tested, allowing Elmira to have the advantage six times. However, the Aviators only netted a goal on one of the six attempts, which came soon into the third period, tying the game once again.
Showing plenty of fight, Gionta put a second goal in the net for the eventual game-winner. Not to be outdone, forward Keanan Dewberry took one down the ice on a shorthanded opportunity and deked his way to his 10th goal of the year, one of the most highlight-worthy plays of the season for the team, and Rochester held on for the 5–3 win.
After the Aviators’ starting goalie Aiden McKenna up five goals on Friday night, the coaches opted to make the switch, starting backup Jake Shingles. Rochester made them regret that decision instantly — forward Brendan Giles scored the fourth-fastest goal in team history, taking a 1–0 lead 47 seconds in. Forward Colin Dustin doubled the score five minutes later before Giles scored again less than a minute after, making the score 3–0 and causing Elmira to pull Shingles after less than seven minutes on the ice.
Despite sitting in a large hole early in the first period, the goalie change was a catalyst for Elmira, who went on to score twice in the four minutes after McKenna entered to get the game close again, making it 3–2 after the entertaining first period.
Although it was close, the rest of the game felt like Rochester’s to lose. Gionta got his second of the weekend in the second period, but after Elmira scored again to get within one, they pulled the goalie for the extra attacker, giving Dewberry a chance to score on the empty net to put an end to the contest.
Rochester has four games remaining against Elmira, including this week on Tuesday, March 3, but the team will welcome the Johnstown Tomahawks for a weekend series before that game takes place.
Preview: Feb. 27 and 28 vs. Johnstown Tomahawks
WHERE: Rochester Ice Center | Fairport, NY
WHEN: Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
WATCH: NAHL.tv
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
Including an epic playoff showdown last year, Rochester holds a strong edge in the all-time series with a record of 14–6–3 and a +18 goal differential. The teams have met four times this season, where Rochester has a 3–1–0 record and a shootout win.
By the Numbers
Rochester
31–14–0 | 62 pts | 2nd place | 168 GF | 113 GA | W2 streak
Johnstown
19–21–7 | 45 pts | 7th place | 132 GF | 159 GA | L2 streak
Stat of the Series
The last time these teams met in the Ice Center, they accounted for the largest goal swing in NAHL history that saw both teams’ seasons turn around. Johnstown won game one 7–0, but Rochester took game two 12–3 — a 16-goal swing between nights. Since then, Rochester is 25–8–0, while Johnstown is 12-19–5.
East Division playoff update
The Maryland Black Bears (78 pts) have already locked up a berth and at least one home series. Behind them, Rochester (62 pts) jumped the Maine Nordiques (59 pts), who were off last weekend and now sit even in games played. The New Jersey Titans (52 pts) and Northeast Generals (52 pts) are tied for the fourth seed, but they could be surprised by the Danbury Hat Tricks (50 pts) right behind. The Tomahawks (45 pts) and Philadelphia Rebels (44 pts) are the first two teams out at the moment, but remain in the fight ahead of the New Hampshire Mountain Kings (40 pts) and Elmira Aviators (40 pts).
On the cusp
Because the Tomahawks are currently the first team out of the playoffs, Rochester has the opportunity to punch its ticket to the postseason with a pair of wins this weekend. If they win both games, they will be sitting 21 points clear of Johnstown, who will have just 10 games left to play. The team can also swallow one overtime win, as though it would allow the Tomahawks to be able to tie Rochester’s points total, the Jr. Amerks will own the first tiebreaker with more regulation wins.
Dewberry’s dominance
Forward Keanan Dewberry has been a very solid player all year, now in his third season with the team, but he has been on another level for a few weeks now. His two goals last weekend were both crucial to put the game out of reach and has seven assists in his last six games. Since the start of December, Dewberry’s 19 points are tied for fourth most on the team, behind just Ryan Shaw (36), Owen King (28) and Sam Schulte (22). His weekend against Elmira earned him the NAHL’s second star of the week.
Three-goal mark
Rochester’s race to the three goals has been pivotal all season and continued to prove valuable last weekend against Elmira. When the Jr. Amerks score three or more times in a game, they have gone 30–3–0, compared with 1–11–0 when they do not. Additionally, in games where both teams score three goals, Rochester is 9–1–0 when they reach the mark faster.
Giles continues impressive start
With two goals in the opening seven minutes, Brendan Giles showed why he earned a spot on the top line even though he has just four NAHL games under his belt. It was the 27th time this season a player scored two or more goals in a game for Rochester, and just the 15th by anyone not named Ryan Shaw or Owen King. He has just 14 more games to make his mark, but if he continues the pace he is on, he will have a chance to make the record books in only 18 games.
Johnstown stumbles into Rowdy Town
The Johnstown Tomahawks had a hot start to the year, but crumbled fairly quickly after. Now, they are 19–21–7 and five points out of a playoff spot after a disastrous start to 2026. Since the new year, Johnstown is 4–9–1 and enter this game the loser in five of its last six contests. Perhaps the lone bright spot has been the emergence of forward Nick Jarmain, who has been one of the best skaters in the league this year. Jarmain played all 59 games last season and tallied nine goals and 13 assists. He is perfect in games played again this year, but now is leading the team with 28 goals and 23 assists. Jarmain is riding a four-game goal streak into the weekend and has scored a point in six of his last seven games.
