Despite the challenges we have all faced due to COVID-19, the Tomahawks have been able to play the first half of their season with a few necessary changes here and there. In their first 16 games of the season, the Tomahawks have earned a record of 10-3-2-1, which has them standing at 2nd place in the East Division. Members of the team have earned individual honors 14 times between Player of the Week, 2nd Star, and Honorable Mention within the East Division. Most recently, forward John Gelatt had received Forward of the Month across the entire NAHL for the month of December.
Along with the recent coaching changes, some changes have also been made on the ice since the puck first dropped in October.
Additions:
Daniel Tkac: Acquired from the Amarillo Bulls on December 6, forward Daniel Tkac has been an experienced addition to the team’s roster. The native of Presov, Slovakia has played on the international level twice for Team Slovakia when he participated in both the U18 and U20 World Junior Championships. Tkac also spent two seasons with the Merritt Centennials in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) where he netted 46 points in 91 games. Since joining the Tomahawks, the 20-year-old has one goal in three games.
Will Margel: Also added in late December after the holiday break, Will Margel has already had an impact since joining the Tomahawks organization. Last season, Margel started out in the United States Hockey League (USHL) playing 12 games with the Madison Capitals. The Potomac, Maryland native also shared his talents with the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express for 30 games where he had 23 points. He then began the season with the Lincoln Stars, returning to the USHL, where he dressed for two games. The forward played his first game in a Tomahawks uniform on December 31 where he earned an assist against divisional rival the Northeast Generals. The next day he scored his first NAHL goal to ring in the new year in style, dialing in for two points in his first two games.
Departures:
Mikol Sartor: The Tomahawks have traded rookie forward Mikol Sartor to the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native had four points (1G, 3A) in seven games with the Hawks this season.
Unlike the Tomahawks, the Wilderness have been facing issues with COVID-19 this season. With only playing three games so far in the season, the squad looks to get back on track in 2021 on January 15, when they are scheduled to play their first game since November 20.
Carson Grainer: Forward Carson Grainer is headed to the ‘Burgh to continue his hockey career with the Chatham Cougars this spring where he will play for the Division III program. Grainer is a native of Livonia, Michigan and is in his second season with the Tomahawks.
In his time in Johnstown, Grainer accounted for 19 points in two seasons, including last season which was shortened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Before making a name for himself in the Flood City, Grainer played a season for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 18U team.
While Carson’s time with the Tomahawks has come to an end, his brother Peyton will be keeping the Grainer name around as a mid-season addition to the Tomahawks netminders.
Tenders:
The future is looking bright for the Tomahawks also with the recent tenders of forward Ryan Vellucci and defensemen Casey Aman and Zach Stoner.
Ryan Vellucci: Currently serving as captain of the Victory Honda 18U AAA team, Ryan Vellucci looks to have a bright future ahead for himself. The Northville, Michigan native has seven goals and 15 assists in 33 games this season for the Midget-Major U18 team out of Plymouth, Michigan.
Casey Aman: Johnstown, PA native Casey Aman has a lot to look forward to after being tendered by his hometown team. Aman currently plays for Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep program. The defenseman has one goal and four assists in 17 games played so far this season. He is currently in his third season with the Shattuck St. Mary’s program, previously playing with the 15U AAA and 16U AAA squads. Aman also shared his talents with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite teams from 2016-2018.
Zachary Stoner: Currently playing for the Esmark Stars 18U AAA program of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), Zachary Stoner. The Leesburg, Virginia native spent four seasons playing with the 14U-18U AAA teams within the Washington Little Caps organization between 2016-2020. The 18-year-old currently has six goals and 17 assists in 37 games this season with the Stars 18U program.