Maroons Send Johnson to Niagara Falls

The Chatham Maroons have shipped last year’s starting goaltender, Hunter Johnson, to the Niagara Falls Canucks of the GOJHL’s Golden Horseshoe Conference.

Johnson, who will be attending Niagara College in Welland after finishing high school last year at Chatham-Kent Secondary School, played in 33 games for Chatham last season after stealing the starting goalie position from incumbent Conner MacKinnon.

In his 33 games, Johnson compiled an 11-15-2-2 record, with a 3.66 GAA and 0.897 save percentage. Johnson was selected to the GOJHL Western Conference All-Rookie team, and was also chosen to play in the GOJHL Top Prospects game and Western Conference All-Star game.

The Maroons received an undisclosed amount of money in return for Johnson.

Niagara finished second in the Golden Horseshoe Conference last season with an impressive 39-8-4 record. Niagara’s starting goaltender from last season Cody Vinnai will not return due to overage.

Chatham’s starting goaltender role will be assumed this season by new acquisition Darien Ekblad. Ekblad was acquired earlier this offseason from the Leamington Flyers.

The Chatham Maroons have one remaining preseason game before beginning their regular season at home Sunday, September 9 against the Strathroy Rockets.