WHL Spokane Chiefs

Johnson Turns the Table

Published on October 10, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


The tables have turned for Tyler Johnson. The 17-year-old has gone from the stands, cheering the Chiefs, to the ice, one of the Chiefs.

"He couldn't be in a better situation for him, playing junior hockey in his hometown," Chiefs Head Coach Bill Peters.

Johnson is following in the footsteps of Derek Ryan as Spokane natives trying to make impacts on the Chiefs roster. Ryan did it for three seasons before he graduated from junior hockey last season. Johnson currently has three points in six games, including his first career goal on Saturday night in the Chiefs home opener.

"I thought I would be extremely nervous," Johnson said of his debut in front of the Chiefs faithful. "I guess it was more comforting to be at home. I thought 'I've done this before' and it felt like a normal game."

Johnson, like Ryan, scored in his first game at home taking a bounce of the backboards and burying it for Spokane's only goal of the game.

"I actually thought about changing, but I saw them going d-to-to and kept in on the forecheck. I got real lucky, but I'll take it," Johnson said.

"He's a real good kid, humble and down to earth," Peters said. "He has been a pleasant surprise since the first day of camp on."

The Chiefs selected Johnson with their 11th round pick in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft and after a pair of training camps and a big year with the Coeur d'Alene Lakers of the NORPAC, Johnson decided the time was right for the Spokane Chiefs.

"The organization was always honest with me," Johnson said about his decision. "My family was here, so that was a big factor." Johnson also said he looked to Ryan, who had the same choice just a few years earlier, "he said it was the best decision of his life and now I see why."

"When we were talking the opportunity for Tyler, everyone we talked to- his coaches, our former players like Cam Severson, Derek Ryan, Sean Zimmerman - raved about him and how he would make plays," Peters said.

"He has been picking it up fast, for sure. What he has to get adjusted to now is the culture of the WHL, which is always on the go. Once he gets comfortable with that he'll settle down and be an even better player."

Johnson and the Chiefs will be at home twice this weekend when they host the Portland Winter Hawks on Friday and Kelowna Rockets Saturday.

Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Chiefs office at (509) 535-PUCK or TicketsWest at (800) 325-SEAT.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from October 10, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central