Evan Somoza arrived in Johnstown as a member of the Northeast Generals and was ready to compete against the Tomahawks tonight at the War Memorial.
However, the Hockey Gods had other plans for Somoza.
Late Wednesday evening, the Tomahawks traded for the Simi Valley, Calif., native, signaling a fresh start for the 97-birth year player.
“Obviously, it was a shock,” Somoza said of the late-night trade. “I am really excited to come play here. Johnstown is doing really well this year and I know we can make the push for the Robertson Cup this year.”
And Somoza knows a thing or two about winning a title.
Last season, he captured the 2016 Robertson Cup championship with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, a team that lost just eight games last year en route to a championship.
One facet that fans will notice about Somoza is his speed.
“I use my speed to the best of my abilities,” Somoza said. “I try to make plays and get to the puck first.”
He is expected to be in the Tomahawks’ lineup tonight against his former teammates. And for Somoza he said he is ready and excited to play at the War Memorial for the home team.
“I’m going to go out there and give 100 percent no matter what line I’m on,” Somoza said. “I’m excited about getting started here tonight.”
Somoza has had a solid season on a struggling team, with 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 36 games for the Generals. He also not a stranger to playing in Johnstown.
“It’s unreal playing here,” said Somoza of Johnstown. “It’s very historic and this town is all about hockey so it’s nice to be able to play here.”
Somoza has the aspirations of Division I college hockey much like his brother, Ethan, who was a star for Fairbanks. Ethan Somoza currently plays for Bloomington of the USHL and is committed to Bemidji State University.
Fans can get their first glimpse of Evan Somoza in a Tomahawks uniform when he takes the ice tonight against Northeast at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 1-800-745-3000, order online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the War Memorial Box Office.