It has been shut down for months, but Tuesday night folks in Johnstown were able to enjoy a free skate at the Cambria County War Memorial. Last month, the War Memorial began replacing the arena’s floor in an extensive renovation project.
In addition to seeing all of the work that has been put into what folks call the “hidden gem of the city,” a ceremonial first puck was dropped at the ribbon cutting Tuesday.
Fans skated on the ice with the Johnstown Tomahawk players from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
“It’s really a neat opportunity to reach out to the community and make it a better place for everyone here,” War Memorial marketing manager Christina Mankamyer said.
You may think the floor looks similar to what it was like before. WTAJ was told you can’t physically see this new floor they put it that is under the ice, but it is an $800,000 investment. According to the general manager, it was necessary, as the original floor had been in place for 66 years.
Between this year and last year’s Hockeyville renovations, nearly $2 million has been invested in updating the War Memorial.
We’re told this will not only benefit the Tomahawks, but the War Memorial is trying to get folks to skate more often by holding classes. It’s also a big help to the student hockey league that uses the ice.
“We’re trying to as well, like I said, take it to the next level to preserve this asset of the county,” general manager Steve St. John said. “We want the people of the area to continue to enjoy it for years to come.”
