July 13, 2009
FAIRBANKS, AK - Alaska Nanooks head hockey coach Dallas Ferguson announced today that Chad Johnson has agreed to terms with the National Hockey League's New York Rangers.
The 23-year-old Nanook standout (2005-09), was acquired by the Rangers from the Pittsburgh Penguins, in exchange for a fifth round pick (151st overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, on June 27. He appeared in 35 games with the Nanooks last season, tallying a 14-16-5 mark with a 1.66 goals-against average. He will report to the Rangers' camp on September 11.
"I am really excited to sign with New York," Johnson said. "I have a great opportunity ahead of me as I will head into camp and compete for a spot this year."
Johnson, a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player, earned Central Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year honors, and was named to the CCHA All-Conference First Team. He was also selected to the NCAA West All-American Second Team. He led the CCHA and NCAA Division I in goals-against average and save percentage, and achieved career-highs in games played, wins, goals-against average, save percentage (.940), and shutouts (six).
The 6-3, 200-pounder appeared in 79 career CCHA games for the Blue and Gold, posting a 25-35-11 mark, along with a 2.33 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and seven shutouts. Johnson recorded his first collegiate shutout during the 2006-07 season.
As a freshman in 2005-06, he collected six wins and posted a 2.56 goals-against average with a .917 save percentage. He finished the season ranked third in the conference among first-year players in goals against average and save percentage.
The Calgary, Alberta native was originally Pittsburgh's fifth round choice, 125th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Johnson is the fourteenth skater Ferguson has coached who has gone on to play professional hockey and the fifth former player to sign with an NHL club. Most recently, former left wing Kyle Greentree (2004-07) resigned with the Calgary Flames in May and rearguard Darcy Campbell (2004-07) inked to play in Finland in June.
"I owe a lot to Coach Ferguson, the team and the program," he said. "How he is as a person is how he is as a coach and that makes it really easy to play for him. He knew my ability and had confidence enough in me to give me the full opportunity to succeed. I am definitely in the position I am today (signing an NHL contract) because of his belief in me."
While he hasn't been to New York before, he will have an instant connection with one of the current Blueshirts, as former Alaska left wing Aaron Voros (2001-04) became a member of the Rangers club last year.
