Monday, January 27, 2014

Tomahawks announce 2014-15 open try-out camps

Press Release

The Johnstown Tomahawks have announced the dates for the team's 2014-15 Open Try-Out Camps, which will used to build the team's roster heading into next summer's main training camp in Johnstown.

 The three Open Try-Out Camps include:

 May 30 - June 1: Mt. Clemens Ice Arena, Mt. Clemens, Mich. (Detroit)
   
June 13 – 15: Leafs Ice Center, West Dundee, Ill. (Chicago)

June 27 – 29: Bladerunners, Warrendale, Penn. (Pittsburgh)

 Players interested in joining the Tomahawks should register for one of the camps by clicking on “Tryouts” under the “Team” menu at www.JohnstownTomahawks.com

The camp is open to junior-eligible players born in 1994 or later. The cost of each camp is $250.

Selected players from the three open try-out camps will be invited to particpate in the Tomahawks' main training camp, to be held in Johnstown from July 24 – 27.

The Open Try-Out Camps have played a significant role in shaping Johnstown's roster since the Tomahawks joined the NAHL in 2012.

Players to have been discovered via the camps include NCAA Division I (Air Force) scholarship-winning goalie Chris Truehl, and each of the Tomahawk's three current captains: Cody Bentzel, Brandon Reinholz, and Dakoda Menslage.

Some players – like current Tomahawks leading scorer Shane Bednard – receive tenders directly from the open try-out camps. Others, like defenseman Logan Hudson, use the camps to take a more indirect route to the NAHL. Hudson fell short of the final roster during last summer's camp, but his performance prompted the coaches to monitor his future progress. In December, Hudson signed with the team and is now a regular contributor.

In either case, head coach Jason Spence said he's looking for one thing from all camp attendees.

“We're looking for players who show heart and determination,” he said. “We're looking for the different pieces of the puzzle that it takes to build a championship team.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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