The Laurel Mountain Hockey League crowned a champion and presented a new trophy on Monday night, March 13th, at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown.
It was Altoona (19-1-1) vs. Greater Johnstown (17-3-1) in the championship game.
Johnstown-based Laurel Auto Group and the Ann Harris Smith Foundation donated three trophies to the LMHL in memory of the late Ann Harris Smith and will be the presenting sponsor.
The varsity champions were the first to hoist the newly named cup. The winning team’s players and coaches names were etched into the base of the trophy.
The Smith Cup is similar to the National Hockey League’s coveted Stanley Cup.
Trophies were also presented to the champions of the junior varsity and middle school leagues on March 21 at the War Memorial.
Ann Harris Smith was a teacher in the Windber School District and dedicated her life’s work to educating students in the Johnstown Area.
“We are honored to be able to donate these great trophies to the LMHL in my mother’s name, where her name will continue to live on through student-athletes and the local hockey community,” said Matt Smith, vice president of Laurel Auto Group.
Laurel Mountain Hockey League consists of Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity School Ice Hockey Leagues from these participating school districts:
- ALTOONA
- BISHOP GUILFOYLE
- BISHOP McCORT
- CENTRAL CAMBRIA
- CONEMAUGH VALLEY
- DERRY
- FOREST HILLS
- GREATER JOHNSTOWN
- HOLLIDAYSBURG
- RICHLAND
- SOMERSET
- STATE COLLEGE
- WESTMONT
We are honored to be able to donate these great trophies to the LMHL in my mother’s name, where her name will continue to live on through student-athletes and the local hockey community.– Matt Smith Vice President, Laurel Auto Group
