Hunter, Hotte Earn Top League Honors for December

Jan 5, 2017

JOHNSTOWN – The North American Hockey League and the Johnstown Tomahawks announced Wednesday that forward Dalton Hunter and goaltender Drew Hotte have earned recognition as the Bauer Hockey NAHL Forward of the Month and Goalie of the month respectively for the month of December.

Hunter, of Greensburg, Pa., recorded 10 points in six games in December as the Tomahawks earned a 6-0 record.  That included 6 goals, 4 assists and a +10 rating.

The 6-3, 200 lbs forward leads the Tomahawks in scoring this season with 37 points in 30 games, ranking 2nd in NAHL scoring overall. His 19 goals are currently tied for the league lead.

“Dalton has been outstanding for us since the first game of the season,” Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia said. “His offensive contributions have been at a high level and he really has grown into an elite player. Most of all, I am proud of his commitment to his overall game and the character he has provided for our club. We were fortunate to have an undefeated month of December and Dalton was a huge catalyst for our success. His NCAA recognition has been growing daily and I know wherever he is fortunate enough to go, that program will be getting not only a strong hockey player, but an exceptional young man as well.”

Hotte has a key part to the Tomahawks success in December as he posted a 5-0-0 record, a 1.13 goals against average and a 96.0% save percentage. Those numbers include a 32-save shutout performance on New Year’s Eve against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

For his efforts, last weekend Hotte was named East Division Star of the Week for the week ending January 1, 2017.

“Drew had a fantastic month of December. His individual numbers were great and he helped us to win every game we had in the month, which was the most important part. He is someone that we can rely on night in and night out to give us an opportunity to win hockey games, as well as be a role model of preparation and character to the rest of our club. I am extremely proud of Drew for the way he succeeded this month, throughout the season to this point, and for what he means to our hockey club and the Johnstown community,” said Letizia.

The Tomahawks look to continue their on-ice success Friday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. when the team hosts the Kenai River Brown Bears for a three-game series. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting the War Memorial Box Office.