Faceoff Factor

Johnstown, Charlestown, ______town Chiefs?

Paige Gagne | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)

Jul 11, 12:22 AM | Hype this story!

Jim Webber may not be a name you know, even if you are a fan of the Johnstown Chiefs. But about 5 days ago (July 6) Jim Weber stepped down as the minority owner of the Johnstown Chiefs. Weber had a 40% share of the Chiefs for the past two years. In that time the team has lost $400,000. Weber says that his financial situation has taken an abrupt turn.

Mr. Webber claimed himself as the majority owner since he has made most of the decisions since 2005. Neil Smith (former Stanley Cup winner and NY Rangers GM), however, is the majority owner and is expected to inherit Webber’s share of the team since Webber has not fully paid Smith back from originally buying into the team. Jim was not your typical owner according to those who knew of his tactics. Webber seemed to have been making decisions based on his instincts and not what business had taught him. As well as being demanding and maybe even relentless with his staff.

Along with Jim’s unusual decision making and dealing with other ownership responsibilities; his way of letting people know about his relinquishment was too unusual. The ECHL Commissioner, Brian McKenna, found out about Webber’s decision when The Tribune-Democrat (a local Johnstown paper) contacted McKenna. Once McKenna found out the news he called up Smith, who was then told about Webber’s decision.

As of right now the Chiefs are going to stay in Johnstown. But what does the future hold for Johnstown and the Chiefs? Both Smith and McKenna have said that the team will be in Johnstown for the ECHL’s 20th anniversary season. Smith has stated, that he wants hockey to survive in Johnstown. “That’s my first priority, and it always has been.” Smith continued saying, “I’m a traditionalist. I don’t want to see hockey move out of Johnstown. I’ve been very committed to the ECHL. We’re going to do everything we can to keep that team there. I’m the majority owner and I think that message should carry some weight.”

As of right now it looks like the team is staying but who knows, this could be the next Pennsylvania hockey saga. I hope it’s not especially since I have family from Johnstown and I know how much they love the team, and after almost losing my beloved penguins, I would not wish that (losing a team) on any sports fan or city. But I do hear that Kansas City has an arena ready and would love to have a tenant even if it is a hockey team.