Published: December 29, 2008 01:59 pm      

Chiefs shooting for a year-end sellout | Home team has Devils to play

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

The Johnstown Chiefs are hoping their rivals won’t be lucky Devils on New Year’s Eve.

The hometown Chiefs will face the Trenton, N.J., team at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.

Last year 3,821 loyal fans – 59 shy of a sellout – witnessed the Chiefs’ disappointing 5-2 loss to the Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals.

This year, the Chiefs seem unstoppable as they contend for first place in the North Division and the No. 1 slot overall in the East Coast Hockey League, said Eric Wolfgang, director of business for the Chiefs.

“The way they’re playing now, it would be tough for any team to beat them,” Wolfgang said.

“Trenton is a division rival, and anytime there is a division game, it will be a battle. This will be a tough game. Each team is into winning, and fans know the Chiefs are a winning, fighting team.”

Wolfgang said last week that ticket sales were going well, even with most people preoccupied with holiday activities.

“We get groups calling in every day,” he said. “They’re calling for tickets for family and friends. This is more of a traditional game, and every day sales are picking up.”

For group ticket prices, Wolfgang advises calling the Chiefs’ office at 539-1799.

Wolfgang is hoping for a sellout, and statistics are in his favor.

This is the 19th year the Chiefs have played a New Year’s Eve game, and 11 times the War Memorial arena has been filled to capacity.

“We started this in the early life of the Chiefs, and it just builds,” Wolfgang said. “We’ve done it 19 out of 21 seasons now.”

The New Year’s Eve game is so popular that Chiefs officials have called it bigger than the opening home game of the season.

With the game starting at 6, there is plenty of time for Chiefs’ fans to ring in the new year afterward, whether they go out with friends or go home with family to celebrate.

“There won’t be any promotions out of the ordinary because this game sells itself,” Wolfgang said.

Wolfgang said spectators’ attire for the New Year’s Eve game goes through the full spectrum, from a Chiefs jersey to formal wear for a postgame party.

The year-ending game also has been called the unofficial halfway point of the season.

“It’s a kickoff to the second half of the season,” Wolfgang said.

“This year will be interesting because we go into a hockey weekend.”

After Wednesday’s game, the Chiefs will face off on home ice Friday and Saturday against the defending Kelly Cup champions, the Cincinnati Cyclones.

A Bic giveaway promotion will be held Friday and Going Green Night No. 1 on Saturday.



Going for 21

What: New Year’s Eve hockey featuring Johnstown Chiefs vs. Trenton Devils.

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Where: Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.

Tickets: $17.50 for adults, $14.50 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 11 and younger.

Information: 536-5156 or 539-1799.