Johnstown Tomahawks formally introduce new coach

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — On Tuesday, the Johnstown Tomahawks officially introduced their new head coach in a press conference.

6 News sat down with the new coach for the first time as he discussed how he learned of the job opening and what to expect from the fans and the community.

Last month, longtime head coach Mike Letizia resigned after spending 10 years with the Tomahawks, but in finding his successor, we learned that both the new head coach and ownership clicked immediately.

“Seeing the history of hockey here. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it,” says new head coach Jared Kersner.

Last week, the Tomahawks announced Jared Kersner as the third head coach in franchise history.

Kersner comes from coaching the Rockets Hockey Club in New Jersey but says he’s familiar with hockey in Johnstown.

“Actually, a former player of mine that played here in Johnstown reached out to me and said, ‘hey this position’s open.’”

Kersner says over the years, he’s had several players spend time in Johnstown, including goaltender Zack Ferris, who played for the Tomahawks last year.

And of course, his knowledge of hockey in Johnstown extends to the cinematic world with Slapshot.

“Growing up. Born in 1985. Being a hockey player. The movie Slapshot was my favorite movie growing up. That’s what really put Johnstown on the map until I got into coaching.”

Kersner says it was surreal to get the call from Johnstown and from what he and CEO John Koufis stated, the chemistry between both parties was there from the start.

“One reference called me back and said ‘what did you do to Jared? My God, he’s dying to get to Johnstown,’” Koufis said.

While Kersner knows about Johnstown’s hockey culture, Koufis reportedly told him to expect “a rowdy crowd” at the 1st Summit Arena for his welcome.

“The expectation I’ve tried to tell him is, ‘it’s going to be loud; it’s going to be busy.’ It’s a passionate fanbase, they’re a very vocal fanbase.”

Although Kersner just arrived in Johnstown, his first order of business is already in front of him with the NAHL draft on June 12th.

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