Slapshot Cup Unites Hockey Community
Fifteen years ago, David and his son, Josh Piro, set out to create and produce an annual adult hockey tournament in the Johnstown community. The father-son duo share a love for hockey and have a passion for bringing the hockey community together to celebrate friendship, camaraderie, and hockey tradition. Every year, the Slapshot Cup attracts hockey players from across the United States, Canada, and beyond to the most passionate hockey community in America: Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
The idea of creating the Slapshot Cup began as a casual conversation between David and Josh while watching a hockey game together. In six weeks, the Piro’s recruited sixteen teams to play in the 1st Annual Slapshot Cup. What started as a two-day event at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial has developed into a two-weekend, 42-team hockey tournament and hockey family reunion. Over the course of two weekends, seventy-one games are played.
David believes that one of the factors that attracts teams to this community is the novelty of playing in the building where the movie, “Slap Shot” was filmed. “The lore of playing in the building is the main attraction,” he explained.
The Piros’ ability to evolve over the years has also contributed to their success. Since 2009, they have expanded the tournament into multiple divisions while also adding a 60-and over age group and a women’s division.
David emphasized that it is special to see generations of family members attending the tournament. Parents come to support their adult children. Athletes are bringing their young children and sharing their love of hockey. Others simply want to spend time in the community where one of the best sports movies of all time was created.
The Piros’ dedication to the Slapshot Cup is an inspiration to anyone with the dream of creating their own event. When asked what advice they would share with other tournament directors, David simply said, “Go with your heart. We are just hockey people. If your heart is in it and you’re passionate, just roll up your sleeves and work hard.” He also emphasized, “We have a wonderful community.”
Visit Johnstown would like to thank David and Josh Piro for their dedication to bringing a first-class event to our community every year!
If you are interested in hosting a sporting event in Cambria County, please contact Visit Johnstown for assistance. We look forward to hosting more homegrown events like the Slapshot Cup in the future.
