Knight To Descend On Johnstown In 2008-09

September 5, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets, and the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters and Syracuse Crunch, announced today that they have re-signed defenseman Mike Knight.

"We are pleased to have Mike back in a Chiefs uniform. He was a leader at the back end for us last season. We expect him to continue being an offensive defenseman, who is physical and defensively responsible. He will stabilize our defensive core as he keeps developing his game," said Chiefs head coach Ian Herbers.

Knight enjoyed his most productive campaign, in terms of offensive numbers, as a professional in Johnstown during the 2007-08 season. The Toronto, Ontario native finished second among Chiefs defensemen with 34 points (9G, 25A) in 55 games. He also produced one assist in six Kelly Cup Playoff games. His play with Johnstown led to two different call-ups to the AHL where he spent four games with the Binghamton Senators and two with the Rockford Ice Hogs.

The 23-year-old not only brought an offensive element to the Chiefs' blueline, but a physical one as well. Knight racked up 137 penalty minutes, including four fighting majors, in 07-08, a total that was second only to Mike Sgroi's 192.

Knight joined the Chiefs last season after spending a year playing with Merano in Italy during the 2006-07 season, and is excited to be coming back; especially with Ian Herbers behind the bench.

"I'm comfortable with Ian as a coach, and he's comfortable with me as a player so it makes for a good fit," said Knight. "Ian is also a real good judge of talent and character in his players, and I'm looking forward to being a part of the team that is being put together for this season. Last year when we were fully healthy we had the best team in the league, and I think it should be the same way this season."

Knight began the 2007-08 campaign with four assists in his first four games, and is expecting more of the same this season.

"I've been working hard over the summer, and I'm looking for a quick start right out of the gate."



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