JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — The Johnstown Tomahawks regular season is coming to a close and with four games left, they gave fans an opportunity to share a special moment with the team.
Now the Tomahawks have already clinched a spot in the Robertson Cup Playoffs, but with home ice still being a factor to play for, the community showed some love to the Hawks before a crucial road series.
"Obviously, we want to bring a championship back to Johnstown,” says forward Zach Aben.
On Wednesday evening, Stone Bridge Brewing hosted the Johnstown Tomahawks for a meet and greet with fans.
Tomahawks fans of all ages got to share a meal and mingle with their favorite players, and the players signed autographs and took pictures with fans.
Forward Zach Aben says this weekend the team will look to win against the New Jersey Titans and clinch home ice advantage for the play-in round of the North American Hockey League playoffs.
Aben says this event shows why Johnstown is the best place to play in the league.
"It's unreal. We say it's the best place to play in the league just because of the way we get treated in Johnstown. In terms of the community and the organization, it truly is a special place. The event we're doing here is awesome seeing a lot of fans we see often and some new ones too. It's pretty cool to get out and meet the people that care about us so much."
While Aben realizes how much the fans care about them, the fans also realize the love they receive from the Tomahawks.
Among those fans is Michael Saylor.
Saylor has been a Tomahawks fan for twelve years and has held season tickets for the last several years.
He's taken note of how much the Tomahawks care about their fans.
"They care about the blue-collar people. They have a blue-collar work ethic. They're not afraid to get their nose dirty in the corner of the boards and play and we appreciate that. People from Johnstown are blue-collar people, and they just love their style of play."
Saylor says the Tomahawks are always in the community and they let him know how much they appreciate the fans.
In response, he says he shares one message with every player, no matter which direction they head after Johnstown.
"Once you put that Johnstown Tomahawks jersey on and that logo crosses your chest, you're a Hawk for life. So, these guys have a second home and Johnstown is their second home and they love it here so I’m very happy to have the Johnstown Tomahawks here."
Team captain Zach Aben says that with thousands of fans showing up consistently, Johnstown is not just unique in the NAHL, but it's been the most support of his career so far.
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