Johnstown Sports Acquire Naming-Rights to New NAHL Team
May 23, 2012
Johnstown Sports Partners LLC, discount a private investment group , click today announced in conjunction with the North American Hockey League (NAHL) that it has secured the naming-rights to new franchise the “Johnstown Tomahawks”.
A new team logo and name design was unveiled that honors the storied history of the Johnstown Chiefs and its home arena made famous in the classic hockey film, “Slapshot.”
The “Johnstown Tomahawks” team will debut their new look and uniforms when it begins its first NAHL season in October at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, site of filming for the classic 1977 hockey movie, “Slapshot.” The team logo and name’s color scheme of red, white and blue was created as a tribute to the American war veterans honored and commemorated throughout the War Memorial Arena for their sacrifices and service to our country.
The “Tomahawks” nickname was chosen to symbolize the new team’s fighting spirit, exciting style of play and good sportsmanship the team and its fans expect from their young players.
James P. Bouchard, Chairman and CEO of Esmark, Inc., and Majority Owner of the Johnstown Tomahawks, said the team name and logo was chosen after considerable thought and after receiving a large and vocal response from Johnstown hockey fans across the region and the country.
“The Johnstown Hockey Nation has been abuzz since May 11th when we announced the acquisition and relocation of the Alaska Avalanche to Johnstown, and they contributed great ideas for the team name and logo. And, interest and inquiries from potential player candidates, scouts, sponsors and local businesses looking to join with us has been terrific. That’s a testament to the local community and region’s love for hockey, and we believe the choice of our team name and logo reflects that intense loyalty and enthusiasm,” he said.
Richard E. Bouchard, Johnstown Tomahawks Team President, added that the organization has been hard at work since May 11th preparing for a number of team and season activities including welcoming the incoming players who choose to relocate from Alaska, player tryouts, team operations, sponsorship marketing and community outreach.
“Our goal is to showcase the talents of these young men and pave the way for their futures, provide an exciting brand of junior hockey that our fans will embrace, and recognize the Chiefs and our war veterans in an atmosphere everyone will enjoy,” he said.