AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Penguins Alumni to be Coached by Ed Johnson

Published on February 13, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release


Wheeling, WV – The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Wheeling Nailers announced today that Ed Johnston will coach the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Team between the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni and the Wheeling Thunderbirds/Nailers Alumni on Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at 7:00pm.

Ed Johnston enters his sixth season as the Pittsburgh Penguins' assistant general manager, working closely with Craig Patrick on all team-related matters. Johnston has spent 18 seasons with the club in a variety of roles, including general manager, head coach and assistant coach. This will be the second season he takes on the role of Vice President and General Manager of Hockey Operations of the Wheeling Nailers. "EJ" served as head of the Penguins from 1980-83 and again from 1993-97, posting an overall record of 232-224-60 and leading the team to two division titles. He was general manager from 1983-88 and had the distinction of drafting Mario Lemieux with the first pick of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Johnston played 16 seasons in the NHL as a goaltender with Boston, Toronto, St. Louis and Chicago, earning two Stanley Cups during his stay in Boston. He was the last goaltender to play every minute of a season when he played in all 70 games for the 1963-64 Bruins. He posted a career goals against average of 3.25 in 592 games. Johnston also served as general manager of the Hartford Whalers from 1989-92.

In addition, the Wheeling Nailers have secured the appearance of the "holy grail" of hockey – THE STANLEY CUP. On loan from the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Stanley Cup will be made available for viewing and photographs throughout the evening in The Club Restaurant of the Wheeling Civic Center.

In cooperation with the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association and the Ramada Plaza City Center – the official host hotel for this event, the first ever alumni game will be played between the Wheeling Thunderbirds and the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni at the Wheeling Civic Center. The game will take place beginning at 7pm with a "shootout" to take place immediately following. The price of general admission tickets for Nailers Season Ticket Holders will be $5.00 per person with all other tickets priced at $7 per person for the general public. All proceeds for this special event will benefit the Golden Spike Foundation Tickets for Kids program.

In addition to the game, the players will be available for autographs and pictures in The Club Restaurant following the contest.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2003


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