Johnstown Tomahawks under new ownership
The Johnstown Tomahawks has been purchased by Tomahawks Hockey Partners, according to a press release from the organization.
Tomahawks Hockey Partners is an investor group that is made up of John Koufis, the majority investor of the group, and Johnstown investors Craig Saylor, William Polacek, John Polacek, Gary and Rose Poborsky, William Bahorik, Daniel Thompson and Chris Martella. The Tomahawks is a member of the North American Hockey League.
“Johnstown has a significant and unique historical relevance in the game of hockey," Koufis said.
"The group looks forward to working with the current team staff and everyone in the community to keep the Johnstown Tomahawks a continued source of pride for the entire region and to help deliver a first-class entertainment experience at the iconic 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial.
"Most importantly, the entire staff will continue to work diligently with our current and future players to help them achieve their hockey goals and provide them with a NAHL juniors experience they will remember fondly,” Koufis said.
“These kids are elite players that the entire community can proudly support and be a part of their journey to the next level — NCAA college and/or professional.”
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Koufis is CEO and governor of the new ownership group. Saylor is president of the business operations and alternate governor. He's been a minority owner since 2018.
“We are very excited to partner with John to grow our hockey legacy which is so important to our region," Saylor said.
"Many memories were made during the days of the Jets, Wings, Red Wings and the Chiefs and we embrace the responsibility of creating new, quality experiences for our players, fans, and sponsors. Our commitment and excitement will be on display throughout the year."
History of hockey in Johnstown
Johnstown has hosted an ice hockey team for seven decades, starting with a single season at the old Shaffer Ice Palace in 1941. The late Mayor John A. Conway dropped the first puck between the Johnstown Blue Birds and the New York Rovers of the Eastern Hockey League.
Hockey returned nine years later at the newly built Cambria County War Memorial Arena as the Johnstown Jets took to the ice. The Jets hosted a 26-year-stay, playing in the Eastern, International and North American Hockey Leagues until their final season in 1977. The team served as the model for the fictitious Charlestown Chiefs in the 1977 film “Slap Shot.” Filmed in Johnstown and at the War Memorial Arena, the movie has remained a cult classic and a favorite of the hockey community worldwide. The film’s characters, the Hanson Brothers, have remained part of Johnstown’s hockey legacy.
From 1978-80, the Johnstown Wings, changed to the Johnstown Red Wings in their second season, played at the War Memorial. Hockey returned 1987-88 when the Johnstown Chiefs joined the All American Hockey League. The Chiefs became members of the East Coast Hockey League the next year and remained in Johnstown until moving in 2010.
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In the 2012-2013 season, the Alaska Avalanche of the North American Hockey League, was purchased and relocated to Johnstown. The team was renamed the Tomahawks. Since the team’s relocation, the organization has received the NAHL’s organization of the year award in the 2012-2013 season and has routinely finished in the top five in average attendance each year.
“I also would like to recognize and say thank you to Jim and Rick Bouchard for their contributions in bringing hockey back to the region," Koufis said. "Our entire group is honored to continue the journey they started back in 2012.”
The Tomahawks staff will hold a public news conference to officially announce the ownership changes later in May. The NAHL schedule for the 2023-24 season is also set to be released in the coming weeks. Full and half-season ticket plans are on sale now by calling 814-536-4625 or by visiting the team office located inside 1st Summit Arena in downtown Johnstown.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Investor group buys Johnstown Tomahawks
