Multiple emails came into my inbox this afternoon, and passed on word that Hockey Canada General Manager Mark Messier has finalized his 23-man roster, and have named Nanook alum Chad Johnson as one of the two netminders for Team Canada.
Johnson finished his collegiate career with Alaska in 2009, backstopping the 'Nooks with a 1.66 Goals Against Average and a .940 save percentage (both ranked first among all NCAA D1 teams).
Photo credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Since departing Fairbanks, Johnson signed a standard player contract with the New York Rangers after being traded from the Penguins for an extra draft pick (which is great, because Pittsburgh is definitely
not my favorite team). He made his first NHL appearance in a pre-season game against the New Jersey Devils, and his first regular season appearance in relief of Henrik Lundqvist against the Philly Flyers, and earned his first start against the St. Louis Blues, and earned his first win in a stellar performance against the Colorado Avalanche. While serving as the starting goaltender for the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, Johnson finished 7th among the top AHL goaltenders, going 24-18-2 with a 2.54 GAA and a .911 save percentage with 3 shutouts.
I'm sure Chad is ecstatic to represent his home country for the IIHF world championship. Next to the Olympics, this is about as big as it gets in terms of international play. The team will convene in Hamburg on May 2 for a four-day pre-camp and one exhibition game, on May 4 against Germany. Canada’s first game at the 2010 IIHF World Championship is on May 8 vs. Italy in Mannheim. Chad will likely serve the back-up role to starting netminder Chris Mason of the St. Louis Blues.
Team Canada announces final 23-man roster for IIHF World Championships
1 comment:
I think it is awesome that Chad Johnson wore his Nanook helmet for that game!
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