Happy Birthday, Ryan Bittner!

We want to give a huge happy birthday shout out to Ryan Bittner! We hope that you have an amazing birthday! Go tell Ryan happy birthday today!

Reasons the Tomahawks are the best: REASON 1

Reason 1: Attitude

All of the boys that play for us have one thing in common, a good attitude. Even when they have lost a game they are still willing to interact with fans and enjoy their time.

Skate with the Tomahawks today was a perfect example of this. Although they did not win the games this weekend, they still were in great spirits with the fans afterwards. They were swinging little kids around, picking them up, signing autographs, posing for pictures, joking around, and even just talking to the fans.

Some were even willing to joke about it. Jaycob McCombs even said, "If you can't win, you at least have to look better than them." after he was complimented on his ensemble Saturday night. They never let a loss ruin their attitude and that is something that not everyone can say about their team.

When they do win, they don't let pride overcome them. Although they celebrate like any other sane human would, they still know that winning one game does not guarantee a win in the next. They know that they have to put forth their best effort during every game and never let their guard down.

They have an attitude like no other. It is the attitude of every player on the team that makes this stand out so much. It is not just one or two players, it is everyone. No one ever seems to do it reluctantly.

This just ONE of the things that make the Tomahawks the best team in the NAHL!

Meet Zach Wallace

Zach Wallace #17

Position: Forward
Birthday: 05-28-1993
Home State: California
Height: 5' 8"

What the official site has to say about Zach...

We're California Dreamin' with the return of Zach back to Johnstown! Last season we acquired the 5'9" forward from Burbank California early in the season and he made an early impact with his speed and gritty style of play. "Wally" helped the Tomahawks last season contributing 19 points and also found himself in the penalty box for 42 minutes showing he's not afraid to get aggressive in front of the net and in the corners. Away from the rink Zach keeps busy, he lives with a host family who has triplets, so attending youth hockey practices and gymnastic competitions is part of his daily off ice routine. 

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Joe Drabin

Joe Drabin #11 

Position: Forward
Birthday: 05-08-1995
Home State: New York
Height: 6' 0"

Quick Q and A with Joe:

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

My favorite part of being on the team so far is the junior hockey experience and really getting to know my teammates and the community

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward to bringing home the cup to Johnstown.

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

And something the fans can do to make this season great for me is cheer as loud as possible!

What the official site has to say about Joe...

 #11 is a Rochester, New York native and we are all looking forward to seeing Joe hit the ice! He's a power-forward who loves to throw his body around and punish the other team and he isn't afraid to run someone over who is standing in his way to get to the net. He has a scoring touch and possesses offensive ability to go along with his physical play. He came to Johnstown in great shape and we can't wait to see what he can offer the Tomahawks! He's a great teammate and he is looking forward to getting out into the community all year long!

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet JB Baker

JB Baker #20 (Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees #18)

Position: Forward
Birthday: 01-16-1995
Home State: Maryland
Height: 6' 1"

Quick Q and A with JB:

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 hanging out and working hard with the new team.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I am looking forward to getting the season started and playing in front of the amazing fan base that we have.

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

Something that the fans can do to make the season great is to continue to cheer us on as loud as you can and always have a great time at the games.

What the official site has to say about JB...

While his teammates headed for the gym after morning practices last season, JB Baker drove his old white pick-up truck up the hill for afternoon classes, but it was the determination of the youngster that really drove his success! Baker goes into the corners, drives the net and doesn’t mind traffic around the crease – much to the dismay of opposing defensemen. This year, the Columbia Maryland native upgraded to an SUV, look for his game to do the same!

**PHOTO CREDIT TO THE JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Brandon Reinholz

Brandon Reinholz #26

Position: Forward
Birthday: 02-16-1993
Home State: Minnesota
Height: 6' 1"

Quick Q and A with Brandon:  

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

Seeing the teammates.

2. What are you looking forward to this season? 

The games to start.

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

Be as loud as possible.

What the official site has to say about Brandon...

They came for Mario, but they stayed for Rhino! By recording the first fight in Tomahawks history on opening night last season, #26 set the stage for a second standing ovation and a promise of more to come! This promise was delivered with 19 goals, 126 penalty minutes and an award that simply didn't fit him! He displayed toughness, control and tremendous maturity every single game, winning 66% of his draws and leading the team in blocked shots. A leader beyond his years, the rookie of the year award was left behind in St-Cloud, Minnesota, his eyes are now set on a championship trophy....!

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Tyler Basham

Tyler Basham #16

Position: Forward
Birthday: 06-10-1993
Home Province: British Colombia
Height: 5' 10"

Quick Q and A with Tyler: 

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

Just getting to know the guys and the fans and seeing how great of an organization Johnstown Tomahawks are.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

Looking forward to working hard to prove myself to the team and the fans and winning a championship!

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

Family is very important to me and the Johnstown Tomahawks will be like family to me. I ll always have their backs and will always work my hardest and do what it takes to win.

What the official site has to say about Tyler...

Tyler is a speedy forward from Surrey, British Columbia in Canada. A scrappy player with an incredible work ethic, Basham loves to throw his body around and finish every check. He has good offensive ability and can set teammates up as well as put the puck in the net. Always willing to pay the price, Tyler is a great team guy who isn't afraid to do all the little things a team needs to be successful. Well-liked by all his teammates, his character and compete level is inspiring and the team rallies around it. As hard as he works on the ice, he works equally as hard off it in both training and being involved in the community.

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Eric Tien

Eric Tien #10

Position: Forward
Birthday: 04-03-1993
Home State: Michigan
Height: 6' 1"

Quick Q and A with Eric:

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

The guys are my favorite part! We all seem to gel really well and there's never a dull moment we are always having fun!

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm just looking forward to playing in front of the big crowd it gets me pumped up for the games and helps me play better!

3. What would you want the fans to know about you and how can we as fans make this season great for you?

I don't know what I'd want fans to know other than I'm really friendly and that if they ever want to talk to know they can approach me anytime! And just coming to the games home or away and making the atmosphere exciting is all I can ask for.

What the official site has to say about Eric...

Midland, Michigan native comes to Johnstown after leading his former team, the Richmond Generals (MJHL) in scoring and is looking to make a huge impact in the Tomahawks lineup right away! Eric is a rookie in the league but is looked upon as a natural leader by the coaching staff and his teammates. This very offensive-minded forward is very strong on his skates, a bit of a grinder and enjoys setting up his teammates. He has an unbelievable release and shot that the Tomahawks are looking forward to this season! Tien has never played in front of large crowds so it's easy to see his excitement when he hears the stories from last season and what we are all looking forward to again this year! Eric has a very outgoing personality, which we know all our fans will appreciate and know you will all enjoy getting to know this all-around great guy! 

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Shane Bednard

Shane Bednard #77

Position: Forward
Birthday: 11-12-1994
Home State: Michigan
Height: 5' 11"

Quick Q and A with Shane:

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

My favorite part of being on the team so far has been getting to know all of the guys. They are a great group that I'm proud to have as my teammates. I can't wait to get the season going with them.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

What I am looking forward to this season is developing as a team each day, getting closer and closer to our goal and that is to win the Robby cup. 

3. What is something you want us to know and what can we as fans do to make this season great for you?

Ill work my hardest everyday. As for the fans go to make this experience better all I can say is keep doing what you guys have been doing. I felt at home since I got here with all of the support we have received as a team, and we appreciate that.

What the official page has to say about Shane...

Shane is a high-energy, offensive player from Macomb, Michigan who has great play-making ability and has a great scoring touch! He makes the players around him better and never settles for anything less than his best effort. #77 is a lead by example type of guy, Bednard is not afraid to get his nose dirty and battle in the tough areas for the puck. A great young man who really worked hard off the ice this summer, Shane is in great shape and is looking for big things this season. He is a great teammate and we know fans are really going to enjoy getting to know #77!

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Brett Young

Brett Young #30

Position: Goaltender
Birthday:
Home State: Michigan
Height: 6' 3"

Quick Q and A with Brett: 

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

Being like a family, we do everything together and do anything for each other. 

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

Looking forward to the home opener here in Johnstown.

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

The fans are very supportive, I just ask they keep doing what they do and cheer us on to victory.

(Better pictures and more info to come.)

**PICTURE CREDIT TO THE JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Alex Okicki

Alex Okicki #1

Position: Goaltender
Birthday: 04-21-1993
Home State: Ohio
Height: 6' 1"

 

Quick Q and A with Alex:

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

Having supporting and loyal fans!

2. What are you looking forward to this season? 

Sold out home games.

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

I love fans that are loud! Nothing is better.

What the official site has to say about Alex...

Oh boy, Okicki is finally here!!! Entering his 3rd and final season after spending the last two with Kalamazoo, this Concord, Ohio native is sure to give hawks fans some excitement between the pipes. Alex is an extremely athletic goaltender who will make big saves and plays his best in tight, intense games! He is a natural leader who leads by example, always working hard both on and off the ice. Okicki is quickly adjusting to life as a Tomahawk and seems very impressed with what he sees and we're sure he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in front of sellout crowds cheering him on! We're looking forward to seeing Alex in a Tomahawks jersey this season and in the community all season long! 

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Shane Cuckovich

Shane Cuckovich #14

*Position: Defenseman
*Day when you should tell him happy birthday: 4/8
*Home State: Michigan

(*This information is from the first training camp roster.)

Quick Q and A with Shane: 

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

Doing pretty much everything we do is with the team so its always fun being with the guys and meeting our fans is definitely another one of my favorite parts so far.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward to a long and successful season with the team. Long and fun road trips on the bus. Experiencing different towns where the fans are passionate about hockey too.

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

Something for the fans to make this season great for me would be to go to every home game, be super loud and keep being passionate about the team. We love the passion and it drives us to be the absolute best we can be.

What the official site has to say about Shane...

Shane is a big, physical defenseman from Detroit Honeybaked, Michigan hockey program! He is strong in 1-on-1 situations and likes to take the body. #14 moves the puck well to teammates and has a knack for carrying the puck well and helping on the offense. Cuckovich possesses a big shot from the point that he likes to use when he has the opportunity. Teammates really enjoy him being around and his strong work ethic is contagious. 

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Jesse Kessler

Jesse Kessler #23

Position: Defenseman
Birthday: 06-21-1993
Home State: Tennessee
Height: 5' 10" 

 

Quick Q and A with Jesse:

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

The team this season is a really great group of guys, getting to know them so far has been a lot of fun. They make hockey fun to play.

2. What are you looking forward to this season? 

That first game, with the fans and finally being back on the ice. We're all really excited. 

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

3. The fan support is what differentiates Johnstown from any other place in the league. Keep coming out, and keep being loud!

What the official site has to say about Jesse...

Born and raised near Nashville, Tennessee where the winters are hot, snow is rare, and the rinks are few and far between, #23 quickly adjusted to Johnstown "Hockeytown!" Winning the organization’s Defensive Player of the Year, Jesse brings a versatile style of play with a mix of finesse and toughness. He can control the power play, 4 PP goals, and he’s definitely not afraid to play it tough having 6 fights last season. His colorful personality and passion for being apart of the community is the reason he was voted 2012-2013 Tomahawks Fan Favorite. The coaches are looking for this 3rd year veteran to bring maturity and leadership both on and off the ice.

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Griffin Leach

Griffin Leach #21

Position: Forward
Birthday: 02-10-1994
Home State: California
Height: 6' 2"

Quick Q and A with Griffin:

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

Just the support from all the fans around the community. I've never felt more welcomed and appreciated on a team like I do on the tomahawks.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

 

I am really looking forward to getting the season started and making a name for myself on this team. I aspire to be the hardest working player and a fan favorite, along with our team having a very successful season obviously.

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

You guys have already been more than accommodating and i look forward to returning the favor on the ice. I am just an outgoing very approachable guy so if you ever see me don't hesitate to say hi. I love getting to know people in the community.

What the official site has to say about Griffin...

Griffin comes from San Jose, CA and is a smooth skating forward with lots of tools. One of his biggest weapons is a great shot that has quickness and accuracy. #21 is a hard working player that gets in the right areas on the ice to find the puck. Leach is also a tough customer who isn’t afraid to mix it up if he has to. Always looking for ways to get better, he is constantly improving his game. A well-conditioned guy, he has been working very hard on the ice and in the community getting ready for the season. He is very outgoing, talkative and super friendly which all fans will really enjoy getting to know him! 

**PHOTO CREDIT TO GINGER POLLOCK AND JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Tomahawks Ice Cream Social: September 5th

Tonight was full of fun even if the fans were rather scarce!

The fan pictured below traveled from Altoona, PA for the event and was hoping to see #20, JB Baker. Sadly JB had already left so she settled on taking a picture with his jersey (which was also her number) and catching up with some of the new players!

After the festivities and the departure of the players, the jerseys were still available for pictures. 

Thank you to the Johnstown Tomahawks and the staff for making this event great! 

Meet Alex Jaeckle

Alex Jaeckle #24

Position: Defenseman
Birthday: 11-29-1994
Home State: Michigan
Height: 6' 2"

 

Quick Q and A with Alex: 

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

My favorite part about being on the Tomahawks so far is how closely our team has bonded. We will have a great season ahead of us.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

What I am looking forward to this season is playing games. I can't wait to play in front of the Johnstown fans.

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

Fans should be just involved into the game as we are. A loud crowd can really make a home ice advantage for 

us.

What the official site has to say about Alex...

Alex is a defenseman from St. Clair Shores, Michigan who has all the tools to be successful! He has good size and skates extremely well. #24 is physical on opposing forwards whether it's taking them 1-on-1, battling along the boards, or applying a good open ice check. He has a great shot from the point and likes to initiate offense from the back-end. Jaeckle worked extremely hard off the ice over the summer and came into camp in great shape! He's a great teammate and has a nice personality fans will enjoy! Alex has already been active in the community and something he intends to continue to do all season long! 

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Jaycob McCombs

Jaycob McCombs #5  

(Minnestoa Wilderness #7)

Position: Forward
Birthday: 02-14-1993
Home State: Michigan
Height: 5' 9"

 

Quick Q and A with Jaycob: 

1. What is your favorite part of being on the team this year?

My favorite part of being on the team so far is getting to know all of the new guys and catching up with some of the returning guys.

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward to the home opener. And getting the season started off on the right foot with a couple of wins.

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

As fans just continue to be loud and rowdy at the home game. We as players really appreciate the support!

What the official site has to say about Jaycob...

"This Michigan native fits very well in Western PA; he’s an all-American, blue collar guy ready to work hard at any challenge that comes his way. On the ice he has a perfect mixture of finesse, speed, and grittiness. He plays with passion and excitement making his "jump off the glass goal celebrations" a crowd pleaser. Off the ice he never shies away from showing off his dance moves and spending time with Tomahawks fans. Look for Jaycob to elevate his game and be a key forward for the Tomahawks in his sophomore season."

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Dakoda Menslage

Dakoda Menslage #18

Position: Defenseman
Birthday: 01-30-1995
Home State: Massachusetts
Height: 6' 3"

Quick Q and A with Dakoda: 

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

Meeting the new guys and becoming a family so quick

2. What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking to get a lot better and impress everyone.

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

I'm a hard working kid spent my entire summer working in the gym to prepare or this season. I love working outside helping local farmers out an I love to hunt.

What the official site has to say about Dakoda...

"Dakoda returns to the Tomahawks even bigger and better than when he left us last Spring! He is a workout fanatic, always putting in the extra time needed in the gym and he carries that same work ethic onto the ice. Always hard working and with his physical presence you can count on him to stick up for his teammates. This year, expect big things from him on the ice and to spend more time being involved in the community this upcoming season as well."

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Mitch Hall

Mitch Hall #12

Captain

Position: Defenseman
Birthday: 01-28-1993
Home State: Minnesota
Height: 5' 10"

 

 Quick Q and A with Mitch: 

1. What is your favorite part about being on the team so far? 

Hanging out with the boys.

2. What are you looking forward to this season? 

I'm looking forward to the road trips and playing in the war memorial.

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

I like country music and like to spend as much time as possible on the lake at my cabin in Minnesota.

What the official site has to say about Mitch...

"St. Cloud, Minnesota native is back in Johnstown and he is ready to lead the Tomahawks to a great season! #12 only spent half the season with Johnstown last year but he made a huge impact. He was a key anchor on our power play securing 2 goals and 6 assists for the Tomahawks and contributing 8 more points even-strength and led all defense with a plus 7 rating in his short time here. Our rare lefty defenseman has a rocket of a shot, moves the play well and joins the rush where he sees fit, but is clearly a sound defenseman with his high plus/minus rating. No player adapted to Johnstown quicker then Mitch, making it a point to get out to community events and engage with fans. If you haven't had the chance to get to know Mitch yet you certainly will with his personable, outgoing and easygoing personality that makes him the heart in the locker room and will surely make him a fan favorite this season."

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Trevor Recktenwald

Trevor Recktenwald #27

Position: Forward
Birthday: 11-04-1994
Home State: Pennsylvania
Height: 6' 2"

 

Quick Q and A with Trevor: 

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

Hanging out and training with all my teammates. We seem to be a really close group this year.

2. What are you looking forward to this season? 

I'm looking forward to playing in front of you fans and showing you what I can do on the ice.

3. What is something you want us to know about you and how can we as fans make this season great for you?

I'm from the south hills area of Pittsburgh. Something you fans can do is be loud and root us on hard on the ice. We gain momentum off of an awesome crowd.

What the official site says about Trevor...

"Trevor is a big bodied winger from Venetia, PA who has loads of offensive ability and a nice scoring touch! He is effective along the walls protecting the puck and making plays for his teammates. One of his biggest assets is his play in front of the net, look for #28 to make a living putting goals away in the net front. A local Pittsburgh kid, he always has a smile on his face and his teammates love having him around! Trevor put in a lot of work over the summer to increase his foot speed, quickness and conditioning and it is paying off so far in camp. He will be active in the community all season long and sure to be a fan favorite with his very personable personality! "

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

Meet Cody Bentzel

Cody Bentzel #2

Position: Defenseman
Birthday: 06-22-1993
Home State: Pennsylvania
Height: 6' 3"

Quick Q and A with Cody: 

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

My favorite part of being on the team this year is getting to know all of the new guys and showing them around town.

2. What are you looking forward to this season? 

I'm looking forward to playing in front of the best fans in junior hockey, and just being able to represent the tomahawks organization.

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

Like I said earlier, the fans in Johnstown are the best fans in junior hockey. Just keep what you guys are doing.

What the official site has to say about Cody...

"Entering his second season with the Tomahawks, Cody hails from Dauphin, PA but quickly made the War Memorial Arena his favorite home. At 6'3" 225lbs, this stay at home defenseman brings a huge presence in the Tomahawks lineup. After a summer working the hammer on the construction site, he's ready to work the stick clearing the crease on the ice! He may play like a grizzly bear but Cody displays a teddy bear side to him with his many community appearances and his passion for giving and helping. Look for big #2 to stop the opposition all season long!"

**PHOTO CREDIT TO JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS**

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