JOHNSTOWN — It didn't take hockey-starved fans long to gobble up all of the tickets for their first chance to see Pittsburgh Penguins players in action this season.

The Tomahawks Charity Classic, which is scheduled to include about 10 Penguins as well as players from Johnstown's junior hockey team, sold out in seven minutes, according to the Tomahawks. The game, benefiting Pittsburgh Kids Foundation-Haiti and the Johnstown Tomahawks Foundation, will take place 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

Johnstown Tomahawks Director of Business Operations Jean Desrochers announced that tickets for the Tomahawks Charity Classic, presented by Esmark and Atlantic Broadband, sold out just 7 minutes after they went on sale today at 10 a.m.



The game, benefiting Pittsburgh Kids Foundation-Haiti and the Johnstown Tomahawks Foundation, the Tomahawks director of business operations. “They’re not just excited to see some of their favorite National Hockey League players and their own Tomahawks take the ice together right here in Johnstown, but also honored to contribute to two great causes.”



Fans excited about the opportunity to witness this one-of-a-kind event began lining up late Thursday night in anticipation of the sellout after Tom Grenell, the arena's general manager, offered to open the doors to fans overnight. By 8 a.m., more than 300 fans were camped out in the lobby. Grenell said he wanted everyone’s experience to be a pleasant one and did not want anyone to have to endure the cold outdoor temperatures.



All proceeds from the $25 tickets will benefit the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation-Haiti and the Johnstown Tomahawks Foundation.



“While we’re extremely excited about the community’s anticipation for this game, we’re not entirely surprised,” said Desrochers. “This kind of support is typical of Johnstown and surrounding areas: our fan base has continually proven itself to care about helping others.”