NAHL Amarillo Bulls

Matt Johnson Commits to Lake Superior State University

Published on January 11, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Amarillo Bulls News Release


The Bulls announced today (Wednesday) that forward Matt Johnson has committed to Lake Superior State (Division I, Central Collegiate Hockey Association), for the 2012 season. Lake Superior State is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

In 36 games with the Bulls, Johnson has netted 12 goals and added 18 assists for 30 points. He is plus 12 and has one powerplay goal, two game winning markers and 104 shots on goal.

"I couldn't be more excited," said Johnson "I grew up watching them and following them, and can't believe I am going there."

Johnson was one of the big keys to the Bulls success in their Inaugural Season where they won the South Division and advanced to the Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament. In 58 games with the Bulls, he had 21 goals and 29 assists for 49 points. He had six power play goals, one shorthanded marker and potted in two game winners. Johnson said the opportunity to play near his home of Clinton, Twp Michigan made the decision an easy one.

"I really wanted to play in Michigan," he explained. "I know a friend of mine had graduated from there, and is playing in the American Hockey League. Their program in general is excellent and their school is all about hockey."

Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams said he is thrilled for the hard working forward.

"You can see with the appointment this year of his character and what we think of him as a leader, being named co-captain this year with Joe Kozlak and Karl Beckman," he said. "Matt is just an all-around great hockey player. He is an excellent kid who competes very hard, goes about his day very business-like and leads by example."

Williams said that he got to know Matt in the first season and appreciated what he brought to the team.

"His leadership qualities, offensive capabilities and his demeanor in the locker room as well as on the bench are big, especially when we need him to have a calming presence on the bench," he added. "He is a competitor who drives hard to the net, and I think he will be an excellent Division I hockey player."

Matt Johnson is the eighth member of this year's Amarillo Bulls to commit to play NCAA Hockey. He joins Michael Erickson (Williams College), Ryan Taylor (Western New England University), Luke Jenkins (Army), John Gustafsson (Merrimack College), Joe Kozlak (Army), Greg Gibson (Robert Morris), and Karl Beckman (Holy Cross).

It's a big weekend of hockey and events at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center as the Bulls host their nasty rivals the Topeka RoadRunners. Both games face off at 7 pm. On Friday, it is Teacher's Appreciation Night sponsored by Amarillo Community Federal Credit Union and all Teachers get in free with proof of ID. The Green Men will be special guests of the Amarillo Bulls on Saturday night brought to you by Elite MMA and Fitness. The Green Men were very popular during the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Tickets are available at The Bulls Office located at 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building, Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets including United Supermarkets. Tickets can also be purchased online at 806-242-1122 or visit www.amarillobulls.com. For further information on Group Rates, Seven-Game Flex Packs or Corporate Marketing Partnerships, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 11, 2012


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