This place grows on you. - Rick Hull
When the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning this evening at the historic Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, PA, the experience will be anything but ordinary. The match, along with several other special events, represents the small town’s contest win and the designation as “Hockeyville, USA.”
“I don’t think we’ve ever seen this town with this kind of buzz,” Johnstown Tomahawks play-by-play announcer Rick Hull told Essential Pittsburgh’s Paul Guggenheimer. “People are so happy and it’s just a celebration of Johnstown hockey in general. I don’t think anything could pull the plug on that.”
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat Editor Chip Minemyer reflected on the teams’ morning skate, during which he believes the players were more animated than usual. He attributes their enthusiasm to the familiarity of rinks like the Memorial Arena, saying many of these players came up through the ranks in similar facilities. This evening’s game will be attended by over 3,000 people, all of whom received their tickets for free through drawings, season ticket holdings, or community organizations.
Johnstown’s win as Hockeyville was a collaborative effort by many community members, but one major advantage for the town was their association with the comedy “Slap Shot.” Hull says many of the actors, many who were actual hockey players, embraced the town during the film’s production and helped during the contest for Hockeyville.
“Dave Hanson, in particular, was a blue-collar-type hockey player and he came here and was able to associate with the people of Johnstown in regard,” Hull reflected. “This place grows on you.”
Minemyer says the true value of the Hockeyville, USA win will be what happens after the game tonight. He hopes the exposure the NHL gives to Johnstown will encourage visitors and uplift the community. He’s looking forward to tonight’s broadcast, especially the moments when tribute is paid to Johnstown’s history.
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