On Saturday Sept. 12, the Johnstown Tomahawks close out their pre-season schedule by hosting the Aston Rebels at Kirk Nevin Ice Arena in Greensburg. The final tune-up for the regular season holds a special significance for Tomahawks forward and Greensburg native Dalton Hunter.
“Basically all my games were there throughout my time in school. I had a lot of great memories and good friendships there,” said Hunter, who was part of the Greater Latrobe team that won the 2013 Penguins Cup and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League Class AA title.
While Hunter remembers his history at Kirk Nevin Ice Arena, he is looking forward to taking the ice at his home rink for the Tomahawks.
“It should be exciting with the new guys and the new team. It will be great to see how the lineup looks,” said Hunter.
Hunter is also hoping that the Tomahawks fans will make the short trip to Greensburg and pack the house.
“I’ve never seen the place too full, so see the place filled up would be really nice,” said Hunter.
While the 7 p.m. game will serve as the pre-season finale for both teams, it will also double as a fundraiser for the Westmoreland Hockey Association. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door or through Westmoreland Eagles players.
Johnstown opens the 2015-16 NAHL regular season with a road contest against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. Face-off for the Sept. 18 season opener is set for 7 p.m. To see the complete Tomahawks schedule, visit www.johnstowntomahawks.com.
—Ed Sheets