It was a celebration of all things hockey. From the tiniest Mite to the mightiest pro player, it was hard to not get caught up in the excitement surrounding the Kraft Hockeyville USA™ festivities.
With the same passion and community spirit that propelled Johnstown, Pa., to the top of the polls once the record 20 million votes were tallied, citizens were ready to party and show their civic pride in the days leading up to the marquee event. From youth hockey clinics to a community Fan Fest to an NHL® preseason game, it was a celebration of all things hockey in Johnstown.
Even a steady rain couldn’t keep local hockey fans from greeting the teams as they arrived for their morning practices.
Local organizers worked hard to ensure that every youth hockey player who wanted to attend the game or practice session was given the opportunity. Some players were even enlisted to help with ice-scraping duties.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins thrilled the capacity crowd with a spirited preseason game that was also broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network.
The “old barn” was rocking as the Cambria County War Memorial Arena was packed to the rafters for what was a great night for hockey in Johnstown, Pa.
Local youth hockey players and fans of the movie “Slap Shot” got into the act as the NHL® came to town for a preseason game featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins.