JOHNSTOWN, Pa. —The Johnstown Tomahawks have announced changes to the Hockey Operations staff effective immediately. Nick Perri has made a personal decision to return to Suffern, NY to be closer to family after two seasons as assistant coach of the organization, and goalie coach Nick Mish will take over the reigns as Assistant Coach.
Team president Richard Bouchard thanked Perri in a statement and also added “we have a great foundation in place, and we will continue to compete at the highest level” Mish will assume the role as Assistant Coach, a position to which he contributed to during the 2019-2020 season
The Tomahawks had the fewest goals against in the East Division during the 2019-2020 season. Additionally, goaltender David Tomeo received a commitment from Sacred Heart University, and goaltender Alex Tracy was named the East Division Goaltender of the Year as well as Rookie of the Year. “We all know the demand that is put on us, and we respect coach Perri’s decision to be closer to his family and home in New York,” stated Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia. “That being said, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Nick Mish in a more expanded role. He showed how much passion, dedication, and commitment he had all season long. He was a tireless worker who contributed so much to our team. His hard work and character was not only extremely respected by our goaltenders, but our entire team.”
The 2019-2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but at the time of the cancellation, the Tomahawks held a 34-13-2-2 record and had already clinched a position in the Robertson Cup playoffs.
“With Nick’s familiarity to the team, it should make the transition very smooth across the board, and easy on me with another ‘Nick’,” laughed Letizia. “We have continued to evolve here and raise the standard which is a testament to a lot of hard work by many. Nick went above and beyond in his role this past season, and I look forward to another season working with him and Dunk. I am fortunate to have such a loyal and committed group of guys to work with and enjoy being at the rink with”
A native of Johnstown, Mish is eager to be behind the bench of his hometown team. “It is an honor and very proud moment of my coaching career to date to be named the assistant coach of the Johnstown Tomahawks,” Mish said. “I was apart of the staff last season and felt an instant connection to the players, Mike Letizia, ownership, and front office members. With the group of guys we have returning, I cannot wait to get the 2020-2021 season underway. Being from the Johnstown, this job is even more exciting to me. I can’t wait to see all the fans this season from on the bench for the first time as the assistant coach of the Tomahawks.”