Friday, October 11, 2013

Lancers Defenseman Commits to University of Minnesota

Press Release

 The Omaha Lancers announced that first-year defenseman Steven Johnson has committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota following his USHL career.

“It feels incredible,” said Johnson.  “I grew up watching the Gophers and never thought I could be out there with them, but now that I’m a part of that, it’s a great feeling.”

Johnson is a native of Excelsior, Minnesota and has collected two assists over three games this season with the Lancers.  He is part of a defensive unit that has yet to allow a goal while his plus-five rating is tied for the team lead.  The 19-year-old defenseman was acquired by the Lancers with the 38th overall pick during the USHL Entry Draft in May after he played last season in the NAHL with the Aberdeen Wings.  Johnson played high school hockey at Minnetonka High prior to that.

“We’re thrilled for Steven,” said Lancers Head Coach and General Manager Brian Kaufman.  “He’s already established himself as a reliable two-way defenseman for us this year, and his skill set will translate well to the college game.”

Two other current USHL players are also committed to the University of Minnesota – Ryan Collins and Jack Glover of Team USA.

The University of Minnesota is a member of the brand new Big Ten hockey conference and has 22 USHL alumni on the roster this season; Seth Ambroz (Omaha Lancers), Jake Bischoff (Omaha Lancers), Travis Boyd (Team USA), Michael Brodzinski (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Taylor Cammarata (Waterloo Black Hawks), Nate Condon (Fargo Force), Hudson Fasching (Team USA), Gabe Guertler (Fargo Force), Justin Holl (Omaha Lancers), Christian Isackson (Sioux Falls Stampede), Justin Kloos (Waterloo Black Hawks), Vinni Lettieri (Lincoln Stars), Ben Marshall (Omaha Lancers), A.J. Michaelson (Waterloo Black Hawks), Kyle Rau (Sioux Falls Stampede), Connor Reilly (Sioux Falls Stampede), Ryan Reilly (Sioux Falls Stampede), Tom Serratore (Youngstown/Sioux City), Michael Shibrowski (Des Moines Buccaneers), Brady Skjei (Team USA), Sam Warning (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), and Adam Wilcox (Tri-City/Green Bay).

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

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