Johnstown Tomahawks Honored by NAHL
NAHL Organization of the Year
JOHNSTOWN, Pa., May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- "We are thrilled and delighted for the tremendous response we have received from the Johnstown community for our first season," said Jim Bouchard, Esmark Founder and Chairman and majority owner of the Johnstown Tomahawks.
The Tomahawks organization, based on their performance in the 2012-13 season, was honored by the North American Hockey League (NAHL) as the "NAHL Organization of the Year."
According to the NAHL the honor was based on their performance during the regular season as voted by the League's 24 coaches.
The league announcement said, "A hockey town and fans proved it once again by welcoming the NAHL's Johnstown Tomahawks with enthusiasm as the team revitalized a community with a rich hockey tradition. The Tomahawks finished fifth in total in NAHL average attendance, which included 11 home games with 3,000 fans or more. That is an impressive stat for a first year team in a market that had never witnessed NAHL action."
The Tomahawks made the playoffs in their first season in Johnstown and had three players make NCAA Division 1 commitments. While there was a lot to celebrate on game night, the Tomahawks were equally impressive in the community.
The Johnstown Tomahawks Foundation directly donated and assisted with donations exceeding $25,000 during their inaugural season. By providing both donations and assisting with community events, the team contributed to over 15 local charitable, nonprofit and youth hockey organizations. Among the groups were the Special Olympics of Western PA, Conemaugh Health Foundation Cancer Fund, Planet Lee Arena - Ziggy's Kids Hockey Program, Portage School SAAD, Johnstown Police K-9 Unit, Tomahawks Booster Club and the Forest Hills Girls Varsity Volleyball Event, "Spike Autism."
"The community embraced our players, coaches, my brother Rick and everyone in the Tomahawk organization so this honor belongs to our fans and the entire Johnstown area as well as the surrounding communities," said Bouchard. "It was an incredible year. I cannot thank the fans enough for opening their homes and hearts to us."
For Information:
Dave Kosick (412) 215-1360
SOURCE Esmark Inc.
Share this article