Gribbin Adds Goaltending Expertise to Tomahawks

Oct 10, 2016

JOHNSTOWN – The Johnstown Tomahawks are pleased to welcome Frank Gribbin to the organization as the team’s goalie coach for the 2016-17 season.

Gribbin has been coaching in the area for numerous minor hockey associations since graduating high school in 1999 and received his Level 5 USA Hockey certification in 2013.

He has most recently spent time with the University of Pittsburgh (ACHA DI) and the Pittsburgh Vengeance U16AAA, U18AAA, Junior A (NA3HL).

“Frank is someone that we have worked with in the past and has continued to evolve his craft for goaltenders,” head coach Mike Letizia said. “He is an extremely dedicated and passionate person not only for helping goalies, but the overall success of our club.”

Gribbin works very closely with multiple NCAA and Pro goaltenders during private training sessions and serves as an associate for USA Hockey goaltending.

Additionally, Gribbin has helped the Tomahawks compete as one during the first eleven games of the season.

“Coach Mike has set the standard that we will play as one, all of the members of the team coming together to contribute in order to compete at the high level that the city of Johnstown demands,” Gribbin said.

“Frank’s eye for the game is well rounded and he has been working with Nick and I already with a variety of things pertaining to our team game in addition to the goaltenders,” Letizia said. “We feel that everything we want to do should be a team effort with one unified goal for team success and Frank has fit into that outlook perfectly. We are very excited to have Frank on board with our club.”

So far, Gribbin’s knack for coaching goaltenders has been noticeable as all three Tomahawks goalies (Drew Hotte, Britt League and Vinnie Purpura) have earned a 9-1-1 record in 11 games played.

“With the chemistry coaches Letizia, Shackford and I have developed, along with some very talented goaltenders on our roster, I’m very confident that goaltending is going to be the big part of the picture of what is to be a very exciting Tomahawks season,” Gribbin said.

The Tomahawks have the week off from competition but will return on the road on Thursday, October 20 when they visit the Northeast Generals for a three-game series.

Individual tickets are now on sale for the 2016-17 season with tickets starting as low as $6 for kids 12 & under. Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m., is the team’s home opener and also Military Appreciation Night presented by Martin Baker. Veterans and active duty military personnel will receive free tickets to the game. Fans can purchase tickets by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, visiting the War Memorial Box Office or ordering online at Ticketmaster.com.