Thunder Add Another Offensive Weapon
Published on September 26, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Thunder announced today the signing of high-scoring center Todd Johnson.
Johnson, 30, actually began his pro career with Wichita in 1998, joining the Thunder for their amazing postseason run to the CHL Finals. The rookie scored 11 points in just seven games, but is remembered most for his hat trick in Wichita's game seven overtime victory at Oklahoma City during the CHL Western Division Semifinals.
Following his stint in Wichita, Johnson signed with Timmendorf Strand in Germany for the 1998-99 season, where he scored an amazing 43 goals and 107 points in just 48 games. He notched 60 points in 48 games this past season and over his four-year career in Germany has amassed a whopping 123 goals and 265 points in just 180 games.
"Johnson is easily one of our biggest signings this offseason", said Thunder head coach Jim Latos. "He was absolutely amazing for the Thunder back in 1998 and combined with (Jeff) Petruic and (Tom) Gomes will give us another very solid line."
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Johnson began his junior career in 1990 with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors. In four WHL seasons, he recorded 199 points in 205 games, before going on to a stellar four-year career at the University of Calgary.
The Thunder, who now have 17 players signed for the upcoming season, will open training camp on Monday, October 7th. They will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in an exhibition game at the Kansas Coliseum on Saturday, October 12th at 7:30 p.m. All tickets for the game are $10 for general admission and are on sale now.
The Thunder will drop the puck on their 11th CHL season with a pair of home games on Friday October 18th versus the Fort Worth Brahmas and Saturday October 19th versus the Amarillo Gorillas. For more information, contact the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2002
- Scorpions past, present attend AHL camps - New Mexico Scorpions
- Gorillas announce game day ticket sales - Amarillo Gorillas
- Two-Time All-Star Holland Re-Signs - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Buzzards Sign Two Tough Forwards - El Paso Buzzards
- Scorpions plan season kickoff party - New Mexico Scorpions
- Thunder Add Another Offensive Weapon - Wichita Thunder
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