Photo Credit: Kim Kowalski (Gametime Sports Photos)
Throughout time, there have been plenty of twins to achieve levels of success in the sports realm.
For example, Daniel and Henrik Sedin have graced the Vancouver Canucks with goals, assists and memories for many seasons.
Additionally, the Sutter twins, Ron and Rich, played together for three years with the Philadelphia Flyers and three years with the St. Louis Blues.
Bringing this story back to Johnstown, the Tomahawks now will feature their own dynamic duo with the acquisition of Ben and David Schmidling from the Janesville Jets Tuesday afternoon.
The Schmidling brothers were key playmakers for a formidable Jets squad that earned an appearance in the Robertson Cup final four in 2016-17.
Returning NAHL veterans, Ben admits receiving the trade call caught them off guard. 
“It was quite a surprise,” Ben Schmidling commented. “A fresh start is good for us and now we are closer to home. We know some of the guys on the team here and everyone spoke very highly of Johnstown. Once we got the word (of the trade), we got excited very fast.”
David added, “It was a quick adjustment for us. We turned the page in a matter of 48 hours.”
The brothers received a phone call from head coach Mike Letizia welcoming them to the team.
“Coach called us right when the trade happened and said why we are being brought into team,” David said. “We are veteran players and we want to bring that experience of going to the Robertson Cup and help the Tomahawks.”
The Schmidlings add many key elements to the Tomahawks now that they have arrived in town.
“We already have a great group of veterans in the locker room so we want to add to that, be positive voices and help out the younger guys as much as we can,” David said. 
Ben added that the adjustment from midget hockey to the NAHL can be very taxing for young players.
“The NAHL is a hard league to play in,” Ben said. “We want to be there for the young guys and contribute offensively. We are skilled forwards that want to put the puck in the net.”
Originally from Kansas City, Mo., the Schmidlings moved to Delaware in their mid-teens and are excited to be playing at the historic 1ST SUMMIT ARENA @ Cambria County War Memorial, a rink they have yet to play a game in.
“It’s unbelievable here,” David said. “We’ve never played in a rink this big and it’s pretty eye opening; the facilities are really nice here.”
Ben added to David’s comments, complimenting the Tomahawks and their fans.
“It’s incredible,” Ben said. “From the staff to the arena it is first class here. Everyone we talked to before arriving here said we’d get treated like pros here. We’re excited to learn about the history of Johnstown and get started!”
Tomahawks fans will not have to wait long to see the debut of the Schmidling twins as they will be in action this weekend in Philadelphia starting Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:35 p.m.
They will make their home debut in the much-anticipated Opening Weekend beginning with the home opener on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Festivities at the rink begin at 5 p.m. with HAWKTOBERFEST presented by 1ST SUMMIT BANK. The arena will hold a naming rights celebration in conjunction with live music and entertainment for the whole family.
The first 1,000 fans will receive a souvenir Tomahawks t-shirt as well as bang sticks and foam pucks!
For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or stop by the 1ST SUMMIT ARENA box office.