Cents Acquire Sam Johnson & futures from Brooks Bandits for Brandon Bruce

Press Release

The Merritt Centennials are pleased to announce the acquisition of forward Sam Johnson (94) and future considerations from the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL in exchange for forward Brandon Bruce (93).

Johnson, who's from Okotoks, Alberta, had 4 goals and 1 assist in 20 games with Brooks this season. He notched 4 goals and 2 assists in 39 games as a rookie with the Bandits last season. Johnson also got into two playoff games as Brooks advanced to the BC-Alberta Doyle Cup championship series. He played with the UFA Bisons Midget AAA team out of Strathmore, Alberta in 2010-11, registering 23 goals and 16 assists in 34 games as a 16-year-old.

"We are excited to add a player like Sam who showed tremendous offensive potential at the midget level," said Cents GM & Head Coach Luke Pierce. "He's been on arguably the best team in Canada for the past season and a half and we feel maybe hasn't been given the opportunity to show his best."

"We look forward to having Sam join our team in the coming days and working with him to become a valuable member of our hockey club," Pierce added.

"Brandon Bruce was instrumental in our success last year and his energy and intensity make him a very popular player from a fan perspective, Pierce continued. "His speed and tenacity will be missed but we believe there are individuals here who can make up for that.

"It's unfortunate this season didn't play out the way we hoped for Brandon and I’m sure from a personal standpoint, he'd echo those sentiments," Pierce reflected. "We certainly wish Brandon all the best with Brooks and in his future beyond junior hockey."

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)