JOHNSTOWN – For the first time, the Johnstown Tomahawks will face off against the United States National Team Development Program.
The Tomahawks will host the program for a two-game exhibition series at the RMU Island Sports Center in Pittsburgh.
The series begins Saturday, Sept. 17 with faceoff scheduled for 9:15 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 18, with a 7:00 p.m. start time.
The USNTDP is the pinnacle of USA Hockey’s amateur development program. The top elite players from across the United States are selected for the national program and play in numerous games featuring teams from around the world.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to play the United States National Program,” Tomahawks team president, Richard Bouchard, said. “This opportunity shows the respect that Johnstown has not only in the North American Hockey League but also USA Hockey.”
Team USA features several players listed on the NHL Central Scouting Futures List whoa re projected to be drafted in the early rounds of the 2017 NHL Draft.
“It really is a great chance for our players to compete against such a prestigious program,” head coach Mike Letizia said. “The opportunity to test ourselves against a high-end collection of young American talent is an exciting challenge for our players. The exposure our players can receive is exceptional and we eagerly look forward to the games.”
Tickets to both events are free to the public.
RMU Island Sports Center is located at 7600 Grand Avenue on Neville Island in Pittsburgh.
The USNTDP is headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., and has developed future NHL stars such as Jack Eichel, Cam Fowler and current Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel.
The Tomahawks open the 2016-17 regular season with a two-game road series with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights on Friday, Sept. 9. Johnstown plays its first home game Friday, Nov. 11 against the Aston Rebels.
Season ticket packages start as low as $99. For more information, contact the Tomahawks office at 814-536-GOAL or visit JohnstownTomahawks.com.