Hawks Shine During League's Top Prospect Event
February 21, 2020 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Johnstown Tomahawks News Release
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) held their 2020 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament at the New England Sports Village in Attleboro, Massachusetts this week. Over 108 of the top NAHL players were spread amongst six teams, that played in two games each during the event.
The NAHL Top Prospects Tournament is one of the most highly scouted events and continues to provide the hundreds of NHL and NCAA scouts in attendance with a look at the best uncommitted players the NAHL has to offer, as well as, some potential NHL Draft picks. Only uncommitted players are allowed to be chosen for the league's divisional teams, while committed players with 2000 birth years or younger may be chosen for the NAHL Selects teams.
This season, the Tomahawks were represented by 6 players. Here's a recap of their performances:
Pavel Kharin (19) - East Division
Hawks assistant captain and third year veteran had a strong showing with 2 points including the insurance goal late in the 3rd period of the 3-1 win in the first game, and he also assisted on the game winning goal in the second game with the same final score of 3-1. Kharin's high level of intensity and force that has adhered him to Tomahawks fans was on full display during both games of the week. Pavel is in his final year of his junior career.
Bennett Stockdale (25) - East Division
The Ottawa native had a stellar performance in both games with a total of one goal, two assists and a +4 rating during that span while creating multiple offensive chances throughout the week. The 20 year old right winger is also playing his final junior season.
David Tomeo (30) - East Division
With over 102 NAHL games with 6 different teams, Tomeo found his rhythm with the Hawks this season and the consistency continued this week at the Top Prospect event. The 6'1" - 185lb New Jersey native posted a perfect 0.00 GAA in 60 minutes of play stopping all 25 shots faced. The soon to be 21 year old (March 2) is looking for a strong finish to his junior career.
Christian Gorscak (16) - Selects Blue
The NAHL's second leader scorer with 57 points in 47 games has been on the NHL radar this season. His speed, quickness and vision also earned him a scholarship to Niagara University for next season. The Jeanette, PA native tallied an assist over the two game span.
Noah Basarab (17) - East Division
The Manitoba native played for the undefeated East Division but was held pointless in those two games, but displayed his solid two-way game that has made him so valuable to the Hawks this season. The left shot power forward continues to shine with 8 power play goals for the Tomahawks this season and will look to add to his total as he enters the final stretch of his junior career.
Max Kouznetsov (91) - Selects Blue
The Canisius College commit entered the Top Prospect tournament on his longest scoring drought of the season at 4 games but quickly changed that by scoring a beautiful goal in his first tournament game and adding an assist in the second game. The 19 year old rookie leads all Tomahawks with a +23 rating this season and his second in scoring with 45 points in 41 games.
Tournament Scores
_______________________________
Monday, Feb. 17th
Selects Red - 3
South Division - 7
Midwest Division - 1
East Division - 3
Selects Blue - 4
Central Division - 6
Tuesday, Feb. 18th
Midwest Division - 4
Selects Red - 7
Selects Blue - 1
East Division - 3
South Division - 4
Central Division - 5
Current East Division Standings:
New Jersey Titans - 69
Johnstown Tomahawks - 64
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights - 47
Maryland Black Bears - 43
Maine Nordiques - 40
Jamestown Rebels - 39
Northeast Generals - 36
CELEBRATING COACH AS HE APPROACHES A MILESTONE!
Surrounded by a sea of friends and family in the suites of 1ST SUMMIT Arena last Saturday night, Letizia was busy celebrating his (pending) bobble head night along with his 35th birthday and his 196th win!
The youngest and winningest coach of the East Division has a lot to be thankful for this season as he closes in on a coaching milestone of 200 wins and another playoff berth just a few points out of reach.
The 2019-20 season marks Letizia's 6th season as benchboss, and 8th season with the organization since the inaugural season in 2012. Through 6 campaigns with the Hawks, Letizia currently sits at an impressive 196-122-17-12 which includes 3 all-star team selections - one NAHL Coach of Year award - 4 post season appearances and 1 Robertson Cup trip.
"Honestly, it's just a number," said Letizia, 4 wins shy of his pending accomplishment. "I haven't really thought about it at all, right now it's about the players and the streak they're on".
At 8-2 in their last ten games, the Hawks are currently riding the best streak in the division.
"Our focus is on winning games, making playoffs and getting better in every situation of play" adds Letizia "whether that's our power play, penalty kill, faceoffs or one-on-one battles, we just want to get better in every area of our game as we get closer to playoffs"
In honor of his bobble head night, Letizia had over 20 family members making the trip all the way from Chicago, including his parents and brother. "They don't make it down often so it was nice to be able to celebrate with them" said Letizia, while jokingly adding that the delay in the bobble head shipment will end up costing him a fortune in mailing fees to Chicago!
A video slideshow chronicling Letizia's coaching career was shown on the scoreboard before the opening faceoff. Additionally, a story in the program highlighting his on and off the ice accomplishments.
Capping off the pre-game festivities in front of a crowd of 3,142, was an emotional puck drop celebrated with his wife Alana, daughter Myla and son Niko.
"It was a special night and I really appreciate the gesture from the organization," Letizia said. "I'm thankful for all the fans, family and friends that came out to support the team and this event"
In The Community
Cover Hill Fire Department - Spaghetti Dinner
Sunday, March 8th @ 11:00 am
Cover Hill Fire Department will be holding a benefit Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for the Department.
Three of our players will be taking part in the event, helping serve the food.
Read-To-Succeed: Upcoming Appearances
In the week to come, our team will be visiting Portage SD and Blacklick Valley SD for classroom readings and other educational aspects such as health and fitness, Hockey 101, sportsmanship and teamwork and what a day in the life of a Tomahawks player is like.
More information on our Read-To-Succeed Program
Upcoming Games and Events
Monday, March 2nd: During this unusually timed home-stand, Johnstown will battle it out with Maine. On this night we will be celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday. Kids will be able to take part of some seussically-fun filled activities, including: reading in the warehouse, coloring, face painting, balloon animals and dress as your favorite Dr. Seuss character.
Tuesday, March 3rd: It was us, we let the dogs out! Thanks to sponsor of Cambria Vet Care, bring your furry, four-legged friend to Pucks and Paws Night and 'bark' on the Tomahawks as they keep the weekday series against Maine rolling. No need to purchase a ticket for you dog, a simple $5 donation for each pet will be collected by The Humane Society of Cambria County.
Friday, March 13th: The Tomahawks will be fighting the Knights during our 3rd Annual Fight Night, presented by Valley Printing. Special guest, Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer, J.J. Dillon will make an appearance. Stay after the game for a show by AON Wrestling.
Saturday, March 14th: Johnstown will continue to fight WB Scranton. This is sure to be a game you arrive early at, you don't want to miss your chance at getting a Chris Trouba bobblehead from our Players Series Bobblehead Giveaway. Like always, only the first 1000 fans will receive a bobblehead.
It's not too late to take advantage of Season Tickets and Flex Packages to take advantage of perks like early admission to games! Just call 814-536-GOAL (4625) to get yours today. Single game tickets can be purchased in-person at the Box Office and online with Ticketmaster.
GET TICKETS
Arena News
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the 1st SUMMIT ARENA box office! *Please note that the box office cannot accept any ticket orders over the phone.*
North American Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2020
- Lone Star Defeats Corpus Christi 4-2 Friday - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Shootout Slips Past Bruins, Drop Tight Game to Wings 3-2 - Austin Bruins
- Bulls Top Bugs - Shreveport Mudbugs
- Special Teams Shine as Bulls Down Mudbugs in Battle of the Bodies - Amarillo Bulls
- Hansson, Finstrom Score Two, West Stops 47 as Rebels Drop Titans - Philadelphia Rebels
- Steel Come Up Short Against Janesville at Home - Chippewa Steel
- Hawks Shine During League's Top Prospect Event - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Matt Guerra Commits to Robert Morris University Colonials - Lone Star Brahmas
- Home Sweet Odde - Aberdeen Wings
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