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Cougars ink Regina-born blueliner

Another young defenceman has been added to the stockpile of prospects for the Prince George Cougars.

Today (Tuesday), the WHL club inked blueliner Eli Johnson to an agreement. He was selected by the Cougars in the 7th round, 154th overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

Hailing from Regina, SK, Johnson is having a standout season with the Pat Canadians U18 program, recording an impressive 48 points in 37 games.

At the prestigious Circle K Classic (formerly known as the Mac’s Tournament), Johnson was named Top Defenceman and earned a spot on the First All-Star Team.

“Eli has made tremendous strides this season with the Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA program, and his growth was on full display at the recent Circle K Classic, which featured top teams from across North America and Europe,” said Cougars Director of Scouting, Bob Simmonds. “He’s an offensive-minded defenceman with great vision, excelling in a power-play quarterback role, much like former Cougars captain Hudson Thornton. Eli is developing into a well-rounded, two-way defenceman, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his family to the Cougars organization.”

Eli’s father, Todd, is the Head Coach of the University of Regina Cougars men’s hockey program.

The Cougars are back in action on Friday against the Everett Silvertips at CN Centre.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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