Blazers lock up Johnston brothers for 2005-06

September 20, 2005 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed forward Ryan Johnston and his brother defenseman Troy Johnston, Blazers head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Ryan Johnston, a 6-0, 185-pound native of Maidstone, Saskatchewan will be entering his third season as a pro, but first since the 2000-01 campaign. Following a successful career in the Western Hockey League, Johnston played two seasons in the professional ranks, splitting time between the Idaho Steelheads of the West Coast Hockey League and Missouri River Otters of the United Hockey League. In 102 games between the two clubs, he compiled 41 points (19-22-41) and served 202 penalty minutes. The last three seasons, he has played with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies racking up 76 points (32-44-76) while serving 105 penalty minutes in 96 games.

Troy Johnston, a 25-year old native of Maidstone, Sask., recently completed his collegiate eligibility at American International University in Springfield, Mass. The 6-0, 190-pound rearguard recorded 17 points (4-13-17) while serving 106 penalty minutes in 91 games played. Prior to attending school, Johnston recorded 39 points (10-29-39) in 60 games during his final season with the Meritt Centennials of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.

"I'm very excited to be able to play in Oklahoma.," said the elder Johnston. "There are a alot of good hockey players already in Oklahoma that I have either played with or against in the past. It looks like we will have a very competitive team, which is always exciting. I'm also looking forward to playing with my brother. We have never played for the same team at the same time. We have in the past played in the same place but never at the same time."

"I'm glad to have both of these players in our camp," said Sauter. "Ryan is a good all around player who is aggressive and likes to be in the middle of things. His brother Troy is a solid stay-at-home style defenseman who isn't afraid to jump into the play if the situation is right."

The addition of the Johnston brothers brings the total number of players signed to 10. They join captain Tyler Fleck, Jared Dumba, Garrett Prosofsky, Kahlil Thomas, Jason Goulet, Marty Standish, Michel Beausoleil and goaltender Sean Connors on the Blazers roster.

The Oklahoma City Blazers will kick off their 2005-06 campaign at home on Friday, October 21 against the Fort Worth Brahmas at 7:35 p.m.



Central Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2005


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