James Tatro did it again.
The second-year Twin City Thunder forward scored a late third-period goal to secure a 4-3 victory at the Hitmen Classic in Wayne, New Jersey. Tatro scored with 21 seconds remaining Saturday in the Thunder’s win over the Utica Jr. Comets.
Forward Patrick Last and defenseman Leo Mantenuto assisted on the game-winning goal.
Thunder coach Dan Hodge said Tatro is more comfortable this season.
“Last year, he bounced around a little bit; he was in the EHL for a little while, and he didn’t have a home,” Hodge said. “When he got here, he found a home and came back at the beginning of the year. He bought in all year long. He has been a great leader for us.”
Tatro also scored in Thursday’s 2-1 win against the Jersey Hitmen.
It was a late comeback for the Thunder (2-4, 4 points) as Christian Day tied the game at 3-3 with 2:37 remaining. Mantenuto and Erik Danilchev had the helpers.
“Down 3-2, you are pushing on the bench and you get the tying goal,” Hodge said. “It was a goal-mouth scramble and all sudden you are tied 3-3.”
Gavin Brandon put the Thunder up 1-0 midway through the first period when his shot beat Utica goalie Waylon Esche. Nolan Leonard had the assist.
“It was nice work down low,” Hodge said. “He actually wrapped it around the net and went far side on the far post.”
The Comets (3-2-1, 7 points) answered later in the first period when Alexander Keller scored a power-play goal.
Roman Wainwright quickly scored in the second period to give Twin City a 2-1 lead.
Marc Lafrance answered for Utica just past the two-minute mark of the middle frame to even the game at 2-2.
Daniel Urban gave the Comets a 3-2 lead four minutes later when his shot beat Thunder goalie Stefan Carney (28 saves).
“We took our foot off the gas in the second period,” Hodge said. “They outshot us 17-6 in the second period, and they took it away from us. We were stuck watching and not really competing.”
The Thunder return to the ice Thursday to play the Islanders Hockey Club at 1 p.m. in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts.
“That will be a big game,” Hodge said. “I am watching them warm up right now and we will watch a little bit of their game before we head back. They are playing really well right now.”
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