Tomahawks select Hollidaysburg hockey-LLWS star Chase Link in NAHL Futures Draft

The Johnstown Tomahawks used their first-round selection in Tuesday’s North American Hockey League Futures Draft on Chase Link, who only four years ago was part of Hollidaysburg’s historic Little League World Series baseball team.

A 5-foot-8, 183-pound left-shooting defenseman, Link was the 11th pick overall in the first round of the draft.

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A standout on the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers 15s AAA team, Link produced solid numbers playing on three different teams during the 2025-26 season.

At Hollidaysburg Area High School, Link amassed nine goals and 22 points in 10 games, according to Eliteprospects.com.

With the Jr. Flyers 150 AAA Atlantic Youth Hockey League 15-Under team, he produced 11 points, including three goals, in 17 games.

As a member of the Jr. Flyers 150 AAA Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, Link totaled four goals and 12 points in 16 games, plus one postseason goal.

He also was part of the nationally acclaimed Hollidaysburg program that won the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Region and became the first Blair County squad to qualify for the Little League World Series.

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A primary pitcher and a middle-of-the-order slugger in the LLWS, Link hit multiple homers, including a 245-foot blast to center field in South Williamsport.

In the second round of the NAHL Futures Draft, the Tomahawks chose 6-1, 285-pound right-shooting defenseman Dominic Kessenich of the Madison (Wisconsin) Capitals 15-Under AAA.

The 43rd pick overall, Kessenich is a native of McFarland, Wisconsin.

The NAHL Entry Draft will include seven rounds Wednesday.

Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5083. Follow him on Twitter @Masty81.