Throwback Thursday: Casey Nelson

Casey Nelson

Birthday: 07-18-1992
Age: 21
Position: D
Height: 6' 2"
Birthplace: Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA

What was your favorite part of playing for the Tomahawks?

"My favorite part of playing for the Tomahawks was having the whole town behind the team. The fans were spectacular."

Where was your favorite place in Johnstown?

"My favorite place in Johnstown would have to be Scott's By Dam. They make unreal tacos!"

What is your favorite memory from playing here?

"My favorite memory would have to be our home opener when Mario dropped the puck. We had a long ceremony with fireworks and the war memorial was absolutely packed."

What are you doing now?

"I am playing hockey for Minnesota State University-Mankato in the WCHA. I am majoring in sports marketing."

What are you looking forward to in the future?

"I am looking forward to these next four years here in Mankato and also going for that large step to the professional level of hockey."


PHOTOS

Soo VS Tomahawks: Pink at the Rink Recap

This weekend we are trying something new. We wanted to do a recap of the festivities in a different way. Here is a video recapping the major events this weekend. We are so proud of our team for their amazing contribution to cancer research! Here is a weekend recap!

 

Meet Josh Bowes

Josh Bowes #21

Position: Forward

Birthday: 08-28-1994

Home Province: Alberta

Height: 5' 10"

Throwback Thursday: Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald

Birthday: 04-26-1994
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 5' 8"
Birthplace: New Brighton, MN, USA

What was your favorite part of playing for the Tomahawks?

"My favorite part of playing for the Tomahawks was being able to be a part of an inaugural season in such a great town. The War Memorial was awesome with our passionate fans and made it fun to play on the ice every night. I was blessed with some great teammates and a top-notch organization with amazing coaches!"

Where was your favorite place in Johnstown?

"My favorite places in Johnstown was Scott's, Janna's Salon, and Quaker Steak and Lube."

What is your favorite memory from playing here?

"My favorite memories had to be meeting the Hanson's, some of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the first playoff game in the War Memorial! Also being able to spend times with my billets, the Selfridge Family."

What are you doing now?

"I am still currently pursuing my dream of playing college hockey. I am playing hockey for the Fargo Force of the USHL (United States Hockey League)."

What are you looking forward to in the future?

"I hope to end up playing Division 1 Collegiate Hockey in the coming years. Outside of hockey, I hope to attend college and graduate with a degree in either the Business or Medical field."

PHOTOS

Pink at the Rink Weekend: Face Off Against Cancer

This weekend the Johnstown Tomahawks are facing off against the Soo Eagles at home for a three day series. They are also partnering with Conemaugh Health System to raise awareness for the fight against cancer. The event will be called "Face Off Against Cancer" and there are several special events that will be occurring. 

Proceeds from this weekend's festivities help local cancer patients through the Conemaugh Health System's Cancer Fund. It helps provide them with meals, transportation, screenings as well as other things that patients might need during treatment. 


Friday: PINK AT THE RINK
Breast Cancer Awareness Game

• Game time: 7:30pm
• Wear pink
• Pink Rally Towel Giveaway (first 500 fans)
• Affiliated with Conemaugh Health System's "Linked In Pink" Campaign

Saturday: HOPE SUPPORT CURE

ALL Cancer Awareness Game

• Game time: 7:00pm
• Ice Scraper Giveaway (first 700 fans)
• Ribbons in memory of and in support of cancer patients
• Affiliated with HopeSupportCure

(to reserve a ribbon to wear Saturday in memory of/in support of a cancer patient you can reserve them HERE) 

BOTH NIGHTS:

• Educational displays will be set up
• Linked Pink and Hope Support Cure apparel will be available for sale
• Pink and lavender ribbon shaped cookie sale
• Chance to sign a "Fight Like A Tomahawk!" sign for the patients and families at Conemaugh
• Basket giveaway (free sign up)

As many know, we have a cancer survivor on our team. Forward, Eric Tien has a story that is extremely inspiring. If you did not see the interview with Eric that was on WTAJ the link is HERE and the article from the official NAHL site is HERE. 

We are proud to have someone who is such an amazing hockey player as well as such an inspiring human being on our team. He keeps a good attitude about it now, just as he managed to do even while he was fighting the cancer. We are glad that he is now cancer free and also proud to have him on our team as a Johnstown Tomahawk! 

Sites with information: 

• Tomahawks, Conemaugh plan promotions (Tribune Democrat)
• 2013 Face Off Against Cancer (Conemaugh)

FOR TICKETS CALL 814-536-4625 OR VISIT www.johnstowntomahawks.com 

**PHOTO CREDIT JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS AND CONEMAUGH HEALTH SYSTEM**

Meet Garrison Sanipass

Garrison Sanipass #29

Position: Forward
Birthday: 08-29-1994
Home State: Massachusetts
Height: 6' 5"

Quick Q and A with Garrison:  

1. What has been your favorite part of being on the team so far? 

My favorite part is being on this team. I wanted to be part of this organization since last year and I'm finally here. I like Johnstown it's a great hockey town.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward to playing in my first game and and becoming a better hockey player.

3. What is something you want us as fans to know about you?

I love to be a part of the community if you see me come up to me if you want don't be shy I appreciate the support you guys give the team and I like to give back to the fans.

Throwback Thursday: Cobi Smith-Mass

Cobi Smith-Mass Birthday: 08-19-1992  Age:21 Position: F Height: 6'3" Birthplace: Anchorage, AK, USA

  

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+ / -		Post Seas.	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+ / -
2009-10	Alaska All Stars U18AAA	Midget	24	15	12	27	18		|
	Kenai River Brown Bears	NAHL	1	0	0	0	0	0	|
2010-11	Surrey Eagles	BCHL	37	2	3	5	45		|	Playoffs	0	0	0	0	0
2011-12	Alaska Avalanche	NAHL	48	6	6	12	55	1	|
2012-13	Johnstown Tomahawks	NAHL	39	5	1	6	30	-8	|	Playoffs	3	1	0	1	0	-1

	GP	G	A	TP	PPG	PIM	+ / -		GP	G	A	TP	PPG	PIM	+ / -
	Regular Season							Postseason
BCHL:	37	2	3	5	00:14	45	-	|
Midget:	24	15	12	27	1.13	18	-	|
NAHL:	88	11	7	18	00:20	85	-7	|	3	1	0	1	12:33	0	-1

(Information and graphs from eliteprospects.com) 

What was your favorite part of playing for the Tomahawks?

"Being out of playing hockey for a few months now it's given me new perspective and I don't necessarily miss scoring goals or getting in fights or making big hits. I miss the recognition from the fans in Johnstown and the bond between teammates, and spending everyday with 20-25 of your best friends. That's by far the part of playing in Johnstown I will miss the most." 

Where was your favorite place in Johnstown?

"The war memorial. I would often arrive 30 minutes before most players. And leave 45 minutes to an hour after most players, because I had all I needed there."

What is your favorite memory from playing here?

"Scoring a penalty shot goal to take a 2-1 lead vs soo at home."

What are you doing now?

"I am a full time student at UAA, working for the hockey team as the videographer. And I work with the Alaska Aces team, for their home games I take down notes and during intermissions and post games I review game footage with the coaches, and I do that with UAA as well. And I also work a third part time job at my brothers crossfit style gym in Anchorage Alaska. I live with Brandon Brossoit still who I have lived with since we played together in Wasilla for the Alaska Avalanche."

What are you looking forward to in the future?

"I plan to graduate college and receive my bachelor degree in business management and minor in Japanese. I would also like to partner with my brother and help run his business and eventually coach youth hockey and develop young hockey players and spread all the knowledge I have learned from hockey, everything from hockey skills to character."

PHOTOS

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**PHOTO CREDIT JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Omar Mullan

Omar Mullan #20

Position: Forward
Birthday: 07-18-1993
Home State: Michigan
Height: 5' 8"

Quick Q and A with Omar:

1. What has been your favorite part of being on the team so far?

My favorite part about being on the team so far is playing with great players who are team guys and live the game of hockey as much as I do.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward to the playoffs. We need to make the playoffs first, but once we do, it will be fun to see if we can live up to our expectations and win our division.

3. What can we as fans do to make this season great for you?

As far as what you fans can do for us. Just keep up with the great support you have always gave the teams that have been in Johnstown. It is a great hockey city and wouldn't be anything without your support!

(PHOTOS TO COME!)

Meet Ryan McNeely

Ryan McNeely #5

Position: Forward

Birthday: 06-16-1993

Home State: Arizona
Height: 5' 10"

Quick Q and A with Ryan:

1. What has been your favorite part of being on the team so far?

 I'd have to say my favorite part about being on the team so far is how well we are treated, not only around the rink but throughout the community as well.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

This season I'm looking forward to a very successful year, which I'm confident that with this group of guys, we are most certainly capable of achieving.

3. What is something you want us as fans to know about you?

 I'd say something interesting to know about me is that I grew up as one of 6 boys in Arizona, so the fact that I chose hockey as my sport living in the desert is pretty crazy.

(PHOTOS TO COME!)

McCullough House Nursing Home Visit

Today a few of the players paid a visit to the McCullough House nursing home. They were able to meet up with some of their older fans as well as introduce themselves to a few new fans.

Zach Wallace, Alex Jaeckle, Eric Tien, and Shane Bednard paid a visit to the nursing home today. They began their time by introducing themselves to the residents. One of the residents asked their ages so they played a game of guess the age. After introductions they spent time walking around and talking to residents taking pictures and signing autographs.

It was a fun time had by all and the residents really appreciated the visit by the players. Some of the older women enjoyed having such handsome young men visiting the home. The residents all seemed to have fun and we can only hope that the players enjoyed themselves as much as the residents did.

Pucks and Paws

As this weekend draws to a close the Tomahawks walk away with four points. The beat Springfield Jr. Blues 3-2 both games with Sunday's game ending in a shootout.

Sunday's game was special though, it was Pucks and Paws night! A night when all Tomahawks fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game and donate to the K9 Unit as well as view puppies up for adoption from the Animal Shelter. There were so many different breeds of dogs at the game. There were giant dogs as well as tiny dogs. All of the breeds were shown off during the parade between first and second period when all dogs and their owners paraded around the ice to show off.

The first 100 dogs through the door were given bandana's and bags just incase there was an accident. They also supplied the dogs with treats, as well as resting and watering stations. The buzzer was changed to be more pet friendly as well. The Tomahawks did everything in their power to make the dogs feel as comfortable as possible. They made it a very memorable night for pet owners and fans alike.

Thank you to everyone who came to the game and brought their dogs, it was for a good cause and the amount of adorable dogs was almost overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who participated!

We have taken a collection of very general pictures from the parade and we have formed a collage. Do you see anyone you know?

 

Faranda's Farm with the Hawks

Even the hay bales had Tomahawks spirit!

If you haven't been to Faranda's Farm, we suggest to go look it up! It's a wonderful, family friendly place with tons of activities.

Today there was a Tomahawks meet up at Faranda's Farm in Hollosopple. Everyone had fun finding their way through the corn maze, catapulting tennis balls out of slingshots, going on hayrides, climbing through a hay fort, playing cornhole and so much more! They also got the chance to interact with some of the fans. Although there were not immense amounts of people at the farm, it didn't hinder the ability to have fun. Everyone had a blast and we are hoping to see even more fans come out at the next Tomahawks outing!

(Zach Wallace, Jesse Kessle, Cody Bentzel, and Brandon Reinholz hanging out at Faranda's Farm.)

(Shane Cuckovich, Alex Okicki, and Colin DeAugustine enjoying their time on one of the many swings around the farm.)

(Dakoda Menslage, Shane Bednard, Eric Tien, Brady Bender, Ryan McNeely, Joe Drabin, Trevor Heuser, Matt Meier, Tyler Basham, Trevor Recktenwald, Josh Bowes, and Alex Jaeckle hanging out at one of the tables at the farm.)

If you haven't been out to visit Faranda's Farm this year, we suggest you take your family and check it out! The cost is $11 per person (with corn maze) or $10 with a canned good to donate to the food pantry. There is so much to do at the farm, go check it out! The link to their facebook page is HERE.