Thursday, October 3, 2013

Raiders acquire Johnston from Rockets

Press Release 

Kelowna Rockets President/GM Bruce Hamilton announced Wednesday that the Rockets have traded 20-year-old defenceman MacKenzie Johnston to the Prince Albert Raiders for a third round WHL bantam draft pick in 2015.

The Rockets had been carrying four 20-year-old players, one more than the WHL maximum, forcing the team to make the roster move.

A Swift Current native, Johnston played in 233 regular season games as well as 18 playoff games over his four-plus years with the Rockets organization.

"It was very difficult to move a player like MacKenzie Johnston who has been with us for four full years," said Hamilton. "He's been a special person to have around. He's a very popular player. I'm glad that he is going to a team that has a chance to win and he's going back to his home province."

During his time with the Rockets, Johnston left his mark both on and off the ice. He was heavily involved in community events, participating in school and community projects and doing anything that was asked of him.

A stay-at-home defenceman, Johnston was a Rockets list player when he made the team to start the 2009-10 regular season, playing 54 games. Last year the 6-foot-2, 200 pound blueliner had 19 points and was plus-19 in 49 games.

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

No comments: