A Celebration of Hockey
The story of the Slapshot Cup began in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 2010, when former professional hockey player Josh Piro and his father, David Piro, founded the tournament. Initially, it was in response to news that the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL would be relocating to another city. The idea of putting together a tournament emerged as a way to keep the hockey tradition and spirit alive in Johnstown.
Then, in August of that same year, tragedy struck Johnstown’s close-knit hockey community. Dave “Ziggy” Zeigler, a beloved figure in the local hockey scene, passed away. Ziggy was owner of Ziggy’s Sports in Johnstown, as well as an assistant equipment manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Much admired and deeply missed, his impact on the hockey community was and remains immeasurable.
Seeking a way to honor the memory and legacy of Ziggy, the inaugural Slapshot Cup tournament gained new energy and quickly coalesced. It was held in October 2010, just two months after Ziggy’s passing. In that first tournament, 14 teams participated and the Ziggy Foundation was born.
Each year since, the tournament has honored a person or group that has made a significant and positive impact on the game and the Johnstown hockey community either on or off the ice. As part of this, the Slapshot Cup makes an annual donation to the Ziggy Foundation in the name of each honoree. It’s a fitting tribute to Ziggy’s life and enduring spirit.
Every year has been an exciting and fun-filled weekend where many memories have been made.
Adding to the excitement, we’ve had special appearances from many notable hockey figures, including former longtime player and NHL coach Bruce Boudreau, 2009 Stanley Cup Champion, Tyler Kennedy, former Johnstown Chiefs, NHL players, such as former NHL All-Star, Jude Drouin and former Detroit Red Wing, Dave Gagnon, Toronto Maple Leaf, Christian Hanson, and several former NHL draft picks, former professionals, and NCAA College stars. We’ve also had appearances by the Hanson Brothers, on hand to sign autographs, pose for photos and hang out with tournament participants, sharing and celebrating a love for the game.
