Johnstown Announced as Top-Four Finalist in Kraft Hockeyville Contest
Published on April 18, 2015 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Johnstown Tomahawks News Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Pennsylvania rink and town that inspired the iconic hockey comedy "Slap Shot" is one step closer to securing the title of Kraft Hockeyville, as Johnstown's Cambria County War Memorial was announced as one of the contest's final four finalists on Saturday afternoon.
Kraft Hockeyville, a national contest sponsored by Kraft, the National Hockey League and the NHL Players Association, seeks to reward the most passionate hockey community in the United States with $150,000 in rink upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game.
The contest's first round of voting began last week, with 10 communities across the country competing to gather votes by online clicks, text messages and phone calls. Only the top four vote-getters will now advance to the second round, as announced on NBC's national television broadcast of NHL playoff hockey on Saturday afternoon.
Second round voting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22.
The contest divides the remaining communities into categories based on location. Johnstown will compete against Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., to represent the East in the final round. In the West, Decatur, Ill., will compete against Albertville, Minn.
Johnstown led the nation with 2,471 nominations received during the first phase of the competition, which began Jan. 1 and ended March 18. Judges reviewed each nomination to select the ten finalists, with community pride, passion for hockey, and creativity/originality serving as the three primary criteria.
A number of businesses, schools and organizations collaborated to hold voting rallies and other events promoting Johnstown's entry in the contest during the first voting round, held April 14-16.
"We're grateful to see the tremendous amount of community support for Johnstown's bid to become Kraft Hockeyville," said Johnstown Hockeyville Committee member Chad Mearns. "The enthusiasm has been incredible, and it only shows that Johnstown truly is home to America's most passionate hockey community. Now, we hope to enlist more voting support from across the state so that Pennsylvania will be represented in the finals."
Johnstown is now guaranteed to receive at least $40,000 in committee-approved rink upgrades at the Cambria County War Memorial. That number will escalate to a guaranteed $75,000 if Johnstown advances to the third and final round.
Votes can be cast by clicking on Johnstown's link at KraftHockeyville.com, calling toll free 1-855-255-5975, or by texting "Cambria" to 35350. Individuals can vote 50 times per method, per day.
The Cambria County War Memorial opened in 1950, doubling as both a sports arena and as a living memorial to the county's 1,000-plus military veterans who gave their lives in service to their country. The arena is home to the Cambria County War Memorial Veterans Museum, as well as numerous displays and plaques honoring veterans.
The 1977 film "Slap Shot" was shot primarily in Johnstown and at the arena, and the movie's fictitious Charlestown Chiefs team was inspired directly by the Johnstown Jets.
The arena is now home to the Johnstown Tomahawks Junior A hockey team of the North American Hockey League.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 18, 2015
- Johnstown Announced as Top-Four Finalist in Kraft Hockeyville Contest - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Brahmas Sweep Stubborn Wild in 3 - 1 Win - Lone Star Brahmas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
