The Johnstown Tomahawks consider matches against USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (NTDP) under-17 teams as the benchmark.
Former Conemaugh Valley High School skater Brodie George will have a different perspective when the game begins at First Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial on Sept. 18. It will be a homecoming of sorts for George, who joined the National Team Development Program in April. He is one of 23 players, including 13 forwards, selected for the 2024-25 National Under-17 Team.
“Our entire organization is proud to partner with USA Hockey to bring the NTDP Under-17 to Johnstown,” said Tomahawks majority owner John Koufis. “We look forward to an exciting night for our players and fans, and of course a great homecoming for Brodie George.”
“The Tomahawks always welcome the opportunity to showcase Johnstown's rich hockey history to a wider audience.”
Located in Plymouth, Michigan, the NTDP is a two-year training program for talented players. The under-17 team plays against opponents from both the North American Hockey League and the United States Hockey League.
This is the Tomahawks' 13th season in the NAHL. Johnstown will replace Mike Leticia after 10 years as coach with Jared Kirsner as the new coach.
“It's a really exciting opportunity for us to play against the U-17 team,” Kerzner said. “The national program continues to produce first-round NHL draft picks every year, so it will be a fun and thrilling experience to play against the rising stars of the country.”
“It's also a special game for our community as Brodie George will be coming back to his hometown to play against us in front of his family and friends.”
George played in 56 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins' elite under-15 team last season. He tallied 29 goals, 30 assists and 59 points, according to online stats.
George appeared in 63 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins' elite under-14 team in 2022-23, scoring 36 goals and 65 points. That same season, he appeared in nine games with Conemaugh Valley, scoring 14 goals and 18 points, according to online stats.
George is the son of Tim and Sandy George. His father played on Bishop McCort Catholic High School's Pennsylvania Cup winning hockey team in 1999 and graduated two years later.
“We are very excited to have Johnstown back on our schedule this year,” said NTDP Under-17 Head Coach Nick Faux. “It will be a great opportunity for our new group of under-17s to continue their acclimation to junior hockey and it will be especially special for Brodie to get to play in front of his friends and family in Johnstown.”
The USA Hockey NTDP Under-18 team defeated the Tomahawks 5-4 in an exhibition match at 1st Summit Arena on Jan. 4, 2021. The match came as a surprise, being announced just three days before the opening game.
This time, local hockey fans were given about two months' notice.
Tickets for the Sept. 18 game will go on sale Friday and will be available for purchase on the Johnstown Tomahawks website and at First Summit Arena.
Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for the Tribune-Democrat. Reach him at 814-532-5083. Follow him on Twitter. translation:.
Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for the Tribune-Democrat. Reach him at (814) 532-5083. Follow him on Twitter. translation:.
