If you are attending this weekend’s games at the War Memorial, then you are sure to not recognize a few names on the roster.
The Johnstown Tomahawks will feature several new faces in the lineup due to suspensions and injuries as the Hawks take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights.
Forwards Roman Kraemer and Cade Groton and defenseman Lucas Bahn will join the Hawks roster this weekend against the Knights.
Kraemer, a Pittsburgh native, returns to the Tomahawks roster for the second time this season. As an affiliate plater, Kraemer impressed with three points (one goal, two assists) in four games.
“It’s nice to be back up here and hopefully I can contribute right away,” Kraemer said. “I’m pretty comfortable with the guys and it was easy playing with them last time I was in Johnstown.”
Kraemer is the leading scorer for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U18 team with 42 points in 32 games (20 goals, 22 assists). He will wear No.10 with the Tomahawks.
Groton, of Ashburn, Va., is the second-leading scorer for the Baltimore Skipjacks U18 program. The ’98 forward has 17 goals and 19 assists in 23 games played.
“I’m really excited,” Groton said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to play in the North American Hockey League. This is my first time playing in Johnstown so I’m really excited about playing this weekend.”
A native of Hendersonville, Tenn., Bahn is a teammate of Groton with the Skipjacks and has already committed to the University of New Hampshire (Hockey East).
Bahn leads all Skipjacks defensemen with eight goals and 17 assists in 23 games.
“Obviously, I’m excited and I’m ready for the opportunity,” Bahn said. “I’m looking forward to playing.”
Bahn arrived early Thursday morning and was immediately impressed.
“The town looks like a really great place to be in and play hockey,” Bahn said.
Bahn will wear No. 11 for the Tomahawks.