| Contact information Address: Johnstown Tomahawks 326 Napoleon Street Suite 115 Johnstown, PA 15901Phone:814-536-4625Website:johnstowntomahawks.com |  |
| Tryout InformationDatesLocationContactMay 24 – 26, 2024 Pre-Draft CampHarland Ice House Hartland, MIMike Letizia, Head CoachEmailRegistration InfoMay 31 – Jun 2, 2024 Pre-Draft CampUPMC Lemieux Center Cranberry Township, PAJun 7 – 9, 2024 Pre-Draft CampWest Meadows Ice Arena Rolling Meadows, IL | |
NICK MISH
ASSISTANT COACH
GOALTENDING COACH
NMISH@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
Nick Mish is stepping into the role of Assistant Coach for the Johnstown Tomahawks during the upcoming 2023-2024 season. His journey with the team began as their dedicated goaltending coach, and under his guidance, the Tomahawks’ netminders displayed exceptional performance, allowing the fewest goals in the East Division. This remarkable feat led to the recognition of Goalie Alex Tracy, who earned the title of East Division Goaltender of the Year after a standout season, and David Tomeo secured an NCAA Division 1 commitment to Sacred Heart University. Coach Mish played an integral part in nurturing and mentoring both goaltenders, fostering their growth throughout the season.
Coach Mish’s own hockey career is noteworthy, as he backstopped Bishop McCort to victory in the 1997 Penguins Cup during his freshman year. His journey subsequently took him to junior hockey in British Columbia, and he was even selected as a Draft Pick by the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters.
Beyond his coaching role with the Johnstown Tomahawks, Nick is also the Owner and Founder of ETM Goaltending Development, where he continues to share his wealth of knowledge in goaltending. Additionally, he generously imparts his coaching expertise to various youth and prep programs in the Pittsburgh area and Mid-American District.
Nick resides in Brownstown with his wife Sara, their son Easton, and daughter Layla.
DAVE DUNKLEBERGER
MANAGER, HOCKEY OPERATIONS, EQUIPMENT, & IN-GAME VIDEO
DDUNKLEBERGER@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
Dave Dunkleberger is set to take on a pivotal role as the Manager of Hockey Operations, Equipment, and In-Game Video for the upcoming 2023 – 2024 season with the team. Dave’s association with the organization traces back to the 2014-2015 season when he first joined Coach Letizia’s staff, establishing a lasting commitment to the team’s success.
On the ice, Dave showcased his talent during a remarkable four-season stint as the starting goalie for the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. His outstanding skills earned him the privilege of being selected for two CHE All-Star Games, a testament to his exceptional performance in the net. Furthermore, Dave played a pivotal role in leading the Ice Cats to a memorable CHE championship victory during his senior year, securing a cherished trip to the ACHA National Tournament.
A proud alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Dunkleberger currently resides in Johnstown, PA.
CHUCK LINKENHELD
DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING
CLINKENHELD@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
Chuck Linkenheld’s impressive coaching journey has seen him oversee more than 3000 games, predominantly at the U18/U16 AAA level, where he has consistently demonstrated his remarkable ability to identify, nurture, and cultivate young hockey talent. His coaching tenure includes notable stints with the Chicago Reapers, Chicago Mission, and Team Illinois, cementing his reputation as a premier figure in player development.
Notably, his influence has extended to the Junior Tier II level in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he served as both Head Coach and General Manager for two years. His visionary approach to team leadership and strategic player management contributed to the success and growth of his teams. Linkenheld’s involvement in scouting and player development has been equally impactful. He has lent his expertise to esteemed teams such as the Tri-City Storm (USHL), Waterloo (USHL), Austin (NAHL), and the International Scouting Service. His keen eye for identifying potential and nurturing emerging talents has proven invaluable to organizations seeking to bolster their ranks.
Throughout his career, Chuck has been a pillar of success, not only as a coach and scout but also as a leader in developing players for junior and college hockey. His dedication and acumen have paved the way for numerous athletes to make the transition to higher levels of play. The Illinois native’s own hockey journey began as a Division 1 player at Merrimack College, where he not only excelled on the ice but also served as the team captain, demonstrating his natural leadership qualities. His exceptional achievements have earned him a place in the AHAI Hockey Hall of Fame.
Beyond the rink, Chuck is supported by his wife Gina, and their five children.
SCOUTING STAFF
Drew Doyon – Indiana
Chris Kaspar – Chicago Area
Jeff Green – Ohio/Mid Am
Nathan Ward – Minnesota
Tim Murphy – Rocky Mountain
Doug Condon – Denver Area
Magnus Ramstrom – Sweden
Mike MacGregor – Philadelphia
Jon Sorg – New Jersey
Bronson Sharp – Wisconsin Midget AAA/HS Level
Paul Pechmann – Wisconsin T3 Junior
Shane Bednard – Detroit
John Harwood – Boston/New England
Zach Mitchell – St. Louis
Boston Bradley – Boston U16 AAA & Power Prep Canada-USA Scout
Jeremy Blumes – Western U.S./ Alberta
FRONT OFFICE
JOHNSTOWN TOMAHAWKS FRONT OFFICE STAFF
(814) 536-4625
DEREK PARTSCH
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
DEREK@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
BRANDON SHAFFER
DIRECTOR OF TICKETING
BRANDON@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
MELISSA KAUFFMAN
DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS
MELISSA@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
ALAYNA MOORE
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
ALAYNA@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
ASHLEY CROWE
OFFICE MANAGER
INFO@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
ASHLEY@JOHNSTOWNTOMAHAWKS.COM
OWNERSHIP GROUP
Tomahawks Hockey Partners, LLC
John Koufis – Majority Owner, CEO, Governor
Craig Saylor – Owner, President of Business Operations, Alternate Governor
csaylor@johnstowntomahawks.com
William Polacek – Owner
John Polacek – Owner
Gary and Rose Poborsky – Owners
William Bahorik – Owner
Daniel Thompson – Owner
Chris Martella – Owner
OUR HISTORY
FRANCHISE HISTORY
The Johnstown Tomahawks’ origins date to the 1996-97 season when the team was formed as the St. Louis Sting. The team had a combined regular season record of 98-158-15 during its five seasons in St. Louis.
In 2001, the team moved to Springfield, Missouri, and was renamed the Springfield Spirit. In four seasons there, the team was 71-133-20 in regular season play.
The team moved to Wasilla, Alaska in 2005, becoming the Wasilla Spirit. They were 23-33-2 during the 2005-06 regular season. The team was renamed the Alaska Avalanche the following season and continued playing in Wasilla until the end of the 2009-10 season, when they moved to Palmer, Alaska.
In their six seasons as the Alaska Avalanche, the team was 154-167-33 in the regular season. In their final year in Alaska, the team was 35-19-6, finishing third in the West Division. They lost their opening-round playoff series to the Wenatchee Wild, three games to two.
JOHNSTOWN HOCKEY HISTORY
Johnstown has enjoyed a seven-decade-long love affair with ice hockey, dating back to a short one-year stop at the old Shaffer Ice Palace in 1941 when the late Mayor John A. Conway dropped the first puck between the Johnstown Blue Birds and the New York Rovers of the Eastern Hockey League.
The Blue Birds played only one season (a 34-26 campaign), but hockey would return to Johnstown nine years later – this time at the newly built Cambria County War Memorial Arena. It was opened as a tribute to all men and women of Cambria County who wore the uniform in service to their beloved nation, with the Johnstown Jets being its first tenant. The Jets enjoyed a 26-year-stay, playing in the Eastern, International, and North American Hockey Leagues until their final season in 1977.
The Jets also served as the basis for the fictitious Charlestown Chiefs in the 1977 film “Slap Shot.” The hockey comedy, filmed in Johnstown and at the War Memorial Arena, has remained a cult-classic and a favorite of the hockey community worldwide. The film’s most memorable characters, the rowdy Hanson Brothers, have also remained a significant part of Johnstown’s hockey legacy.
From 1978-80, the Johnstown Wings – changed to the Johnstown Red Wings in their second season – played at the War Memorial, again in the Eastern Hockey League. Hockey returned yet again in 1987-88 when the Johnstown Chiefs were formed to join the All American Hockey League. The Chiefs joined the upstart East Coast Hockey League the next year and remained in Johnstown until moving in 2010. The Chiefs were the ECHL’s last original franchise when they left.
Johnstown was without a team for two years, despite serving as an alternate home site for ten Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) games each season.
Starting in the 2012-2013 season, the Alaska Avalanche of the North American Hockey League (a league unrelated to the same league that the Jets played in) were purchased, relocated to Johnstown, and were renamed the Tomahawks. The new team brought high-intensity, hard-hitting, and affordable Junior A hockey as the city of Johnstown once again had a team to call its own. Since the team’s relocation, the organization has received the NAHL’s Organization of the Year Award (2012-2013 season) and has routinely finished in the top five in average attendance each year. The Tomahawks hope to continue to remain a community asset in Johnstown for many future generations.
