Nailers Re-Sign Chaz Johnson
August 6, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens, are excited to announce their sixth player signing of the 2014 offseason. Wheeling has re-signed forward Chaz Johnson to an ECHL contract.
Johnson, 30, returns for his second season with the Nailers, as well as his tenth season of professional hockey, after appearing in his 500th career game during the 2013-14 campaign. In 64 games with Wheeling, Chaz posted 13 goals, 21 assists, 34 points and 152 penalty minutes, with ten of his 13 goals coming against the current North Division. His most productive contest came in his return to Elmira on November 15th, when he netted a hat trick in a 5-1 Nailers win against his club from the prior season. The Montreal, QC native had an especially strong finish to the year, racking up an eight-game point streak during March and April, before tallying a pair of goals in the playoffs.
"Chaz Johnson is a terrific leader on and off of the ice, and is a great player to have to show our young guys how to be a pro," said Head Coach Clark Donatelli. "On the ice, he is a fierce competitor, who demands a lot of respect, and off of the ice, he does a great job in the community, which creates a great connection with our fans," he said. "Being able to sign veteran players like Chaz is a great tribute to our ownership, as it allows us to change the culture of hockey in Wheeling."
Johnson has spent the first nine years of his career in the AHL, ECHL, and UHL, suiting up in 537 games, while totaling 145 goals, 144 assists, 289 points, and 1336 penalty minutes. Chaz has reached the 20-goal plateau in four of those seasons, with the most recent occurring in 2011-12, when he was a member of the Chicago Express. The 6-foot-1 forward has also appeared in 61 career playoff games, taking home the United Hockey League's Colonial Cup in 2006-07 with the Rockford IceHogs.
"I respect the Wheeling organization, because they are a team that shows so much respect and takes great care of their players, so it was a no-brainer for me to come back," Johnson said. "Last season was a good season, and I feel like we could have made a lot more noise at the end. We have a great core of guys coming back, so the chemistry will already be set, which will make it a lot easier," he said. "Wheeling is a great spot to play, I met lots of great people last year, and I can't wait to get back and see everyone soon."
Chaz Johnson and the Wheeling Nailers will open the 2014-15 regular season on Saturday, October 18th at 7:35, when they clash with the Reading Royals at WesBanco Arena. Season tickets are available, starting as low as $10 for adults and $8 for kids. For tickets and more information, call the Nailers at (304) 234-GOAL.
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ECHL Stories from August 6, 2014
- Eagles Sign Goaltender Clarke Saunders - Colorado Eagles
- Jordan Henry Returns; 'Blades Add Forward Mike Cichy - Florida Everblades
- Condors Budget-Busting Promotional Schedule Revealed - Bakersfield Condors
- Nailers Re-Sign Chaz Johnson - Wheeling Nailers
- Popular Defenseman Guy Lepine Returning to Evansville - Evansville IceMen
- Jackals Bring Back Buffalo Native Nick Tuzzolino - Elmira Jackals
- Royals Agree to Terms with Forward Brandon Blandina - Reading Royals
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