Justin Johnson Makes NHL Debut with the New York Islanders

Published on April 12, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Right wing Justin Johnson, who last suited up for the Alaska Aces in 2009-10, became the second player this season to previously play for the Aces and advance to the National Hockey League after suiting up last night for the New York Islanders in a 3-2 shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

Johnson, 32, joins Joni Ortio as the two players this season to skate for the Aces and eventually play in the NHL. He delivered three hits and had 7:15 of ice time in the game, wearing #49.

The Anchorage native, who also suited up in 143 career college games with the University of Alaska-Anchorage (NCAA), has skated in 62 career games with the Aces over parts of three seasons. He last appeared with the Aces in 2009-10 when he had three goals, four assists and ranked third in the ECHL with 249 penalty minutes.

Johnson has earned 43 points and 669 penalty minutes in 190 career ECHL games with Alaska, Cincinnati, Utah and Idaho. He has skated in 151 career AHL games with Manchester and Bridgeport over the last four seasons, earning 16 points and 575 penalty minutes.

He agreed to a two-way NHL/AHL contract with the Islanders on Mar. 3, 2014.

Since the Aces joined the ECHL in 2003-04, a total of 29 players have suited up in Aces and NHL colors. Current players suiting up for NHL teams, with Aces experience include Anchorage natives Scott Gomez (Florida), Brandon Dubinsky (Columbus) and Nate Thompson (Tampa Bay). Former Aces head coaches serving behind NHL benches include current assistant coaches Davis Payne (Los Angeles) and Brent Thompson (New York Islanders).

Johnson is also the 537th player overall to advance from the ECHL and suit up in the NHL.

The Aces wrap up the regular season tonight at 5:05 p.m. (KFQD), visiting the Colorado Eagles and open the Kelly Cup Playoffs with Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Friday, Apr. 18 against the Las Vegas at Sullivan Arena (7:15 p.m.).

Season tickets and corporate sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. For more information, please contact the Aces at 907.258.2237 or by visiting their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

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