Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Storm's Johnson Commits to Ohio State University

Press Release

The Tri-City Storm announced that forward Matt Johnson will continue his hockey career at Ohio State University beginning in the fall of 2011.

"I grew up in Minnesota, so for me it wasn't a school that I had really thought about attending. But, with the campus and the coaching staff in place, it was a great fit for my future in college hockey," said Johnson.

The third-year USHL player from Stillwater, Minnesota has collected 12 points (7g, 5a) in 22 games this season and is tied for the team lead in goals scored. Johnson's point total matches his point total (9g, 3a) in 55 games with the Storm during the 2009-10 season. The 19-year-old assistant captain has netted five of his goals over the last seven games, including the overtime-winner on Saturday vs. Chicago.

Johnson began his USHL career with the Waterloo Black Hawks in 2008-09 before joining the Storm prior to last season.

"Kearney has been great for me as a player and person. This is my last season, so I want to go out with a bang and go out on top in a place that I've enjoyed playing for over the past couple years," Johnson said.

Nine other current players are committed to play collegiate hockey at Ohio State University following their USHL careers; Brady Hjelle (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Kevin Irwin (Des Moines Buccaneers), Chris Joyaux (Des Moines Buccaneers), Ryan Dzingel (Lincoln Stars), Dominik Shine (Lincoln Stars), Alex McLean (Omaha Lancers), Max McCormick (Sioux City Musketeers), Matt Skoff (Sioux City Musketeers), and Clark Cristofoli (Sioux Falls Stampede).

Ohio State University is a member of the CCHA and has 10 USHL alumni on the roster this season; Brendan Arniel (Tri-City Storm), Chris Crane (Green Bay Gamblers), Dan Dries (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders/Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets), Alex Lippincott (Fargo Force), Brandon Martell (Fargo Force/Tri-City Storm), Chris Reed (Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets), Patrick Schafer (Omaha Lancers), Shane Sims (Des Moines Buccaneers), Sergio Somma (Green Bay Gamblers), and Corey Toy (Omaha Lancers).

In addition, Buckeyes head coach Mark Osiecki spent seven seasons (1997-2004) in the USHL as the head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers.

"We are very excited for Matt, who has earned this college opportunity through hard work on and off the ice," said Storm Head Coach/General Manager Drew Schoneck. "It goes to show that hard work pays off, and we are glad to see Ohio State recruit him."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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