Johnstown is celebrating the 40th anniversary of ‘Slapshot’ and a superstar is in town for the fun.

 

Josh Gallagher is a well-known name in central Pennsylvania and happens to be from Cambria County.

 

On Friday, he put on a special performance for his hometown fans, a moment his dad said he’ll never forget.

 

“From the beginning of this journey that he’s been on, to where we’re at today has been exhilarating,” Dan Gallagher said.

 

“It’s great, it feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been back home, so being back in the area is great,” the country singer said. 

 

Many in the area think he’s a hometown hero, inspiring locals to chase their dreams. President of the Cambria County Chamber said that’s worthy of the Community Impact Award. 

 

“I think Josh’s dedication and his inspiring story, he’s just the perfect person to have this award this year from the chamber,” Mike Artim said.

 

Along with the honor, Gallagher sang the national anthem at the Johnstown Tomahawks game, in front of a crowd full of fans and hockey fanatics, celebrating the 40th anniversary of ‘Slapshot,’ which was filmed in Johnstown.

 

Gallagher said his family shares a connection with the hockey blockbuster.

 

“I’m pretty sure my mom and my aunt were in the stands when that movie was filmed, so it’s pretty cool,” the country singer said. 

 

“Apparently people have seen the movie and have seen me, like a glimpse of me in the stands,” Cathy Gallagher said.

 

As an extra in the movie, she was in the middle of all the action.

 

“Paul Newman skating by and I actually touched his hand and then he looked at me and skated away, so that was a pretty neat experience for a 19-year old,” Cathy said.

 

Both events landed on the same weekend, but Josh said it just goes to show how tight knit and valuable the community is.

 

“It means the world… it kind of just proves that you know little small Cambria County, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer,” the country singer said.