Don Hall knows a thing or two about hockey. Hall spent 11 seasons with the Johnstown Jets, the former professional ice hockey team that called the Cambria County War Memorial Arena home from the team’s inception in 1950 until 1977. Hall established himself as a talented scorer, netting 393 goals in 667 games played. In Johnstown hockey history, he ranks second in All-Time Career Goals as well as Assists (586) and Total Points (979).
Hall was an integral part of the Jets, a fact the Johnstown Chiefs acknowledged when they retired his number 9 jersey during the 1990-91 season.
A current Johnstown resident, Hall remembers his playing days as “very fast, very good hockey.” He supports having a junior team in the city and believes the Tomahawks will bring a similar style of play to the War Memorial, saying it should be both exciting and fast-paced.
“I had great years in Johnstown,” he offered, adding that the men around him in the locker room were more than teammates – they were close friends.
He believes the Tomahawks players will gain valuable skills while playing here, particularly how to become strong, fast skaters.
Hall shared a similar mindset as the young men hoping to become part of the Johnstown hockey tradition as Tomahawks players.
“I grew up playing hockey,” Hall said. “That’s all I knew, and I wanted a career in hockey.”