Rookie Johnson headed to Dartmouth
February 23, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Springfield Jr. Blues announced Monday that 18 year old rookie defenseman Chris Johnson, pictured above, has committed to Dartmouth College, ECAC Division I, for next season. The announcement was made by Jr. Blues general manager/head coach Nick Pollos.
"We are so excited for Chris and his family," said Pollos. "He has work extremely hard for this opportunity."
To date, the 6-foot 180 pound native of Duluth, Minnesota has three goals, 10 assists and a plus minus rating of plus-23. Johnson came to the Springfield Jr. Blues from Duluth East High School, where he starred for the Greyhounds' high school hockey team.
In other news, the Jr. Blues will once again play a charity hockey game this season to benefit the local Children's Miracle Network in the greater Springfield, Illinois area. However, this year's event will be different from the charity game held last year, which pitted the Jr. Blues against local youth hockey coaches. This year, the Jr. Blues will face off against the St. Louis Blues Alumni Team on Friday, February 25 at 7:00 pm at the Nelson Center.
The concept of "Hockey for Charity" in Springfield came to reality when St. Louis Blues
Alumnus and Texarkana Bandits partner Kelly Chase along with Pollos met to discuss the event.
"Kelly came to us with the idea and, together, we just ran with it" said Pollos. "It's going to be a night to remember. The St. Louis Blues organization has been great. The Blues are providing us with over 2000 give-away items for the game to ensure that every fan in attendance will leave something." An autograph session and jersey auction are also planned to help raise money.
The purpose of the St. Louis Alumni Team is get together for games all across North America to raise money for various charities. Similar teams are set up in most NHL cities with the same purpose. The St. Louis Blues Alumni Team plays for their own charity as well. The 14 Fund, honoring the late St. Louis Blues star Doug Wickenheiser, is the vehicle through which the St. Louis Blues Alumni Team distributes money to various local charities in the greater St. Louis area.
The line-up for the St. Louis Blues Alumni may include long time NHLers Larry Patey, Jeff Brown, Rob Ramage, John Wensink, Nelson Emerson, Greg Paslawski, Basil McRae, Tony Twist, Bernie Federko, Chase, Perry Turnbull and Al MacInnis. Other Blues alumni may be added in the coming days.
Tickets for the event are $8.00 and can be reserved by calling the Jr. Blues Buisiness Office at 217-528-2176.
"This is going to be a wonderful event for all of Springfield," said Pollos. "So many of our fans watched these guys play for the Blues over the years, and now they will be playing right here in Springfield against our own Jr. Blues."
Portions of the proceeds will be distributed to the 14 Fund and Children's Miracle Network.
"Springfield, Illinois, has some great hockey fans and they are big supporters of not only the Jr. Blues but the NHL's St. Louis Blues as well" said Chase. "This will be a great night to celebrate hockey."
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North American Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2005
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- Blizzard splits pair, remains in NAHL West playoff chase - Alexandria Blizzard
- Rookie Johnson headed to Dartmouth - Springfield Jr. Blues
- BAck to back shutouts earn Russell NAHL Defensive Player of the Week - NAHL
- Home games this weekend more important than ever - Texas Tornado
- Dog Pound Weekly - Bozeman Icedogs
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