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Fort Saint James hockey player signs with Penticton Vees

Diego Johnson is making the jump to the WHL.

After being picked up in last month’s Expansion Draft by the Penticton Vees, the 19-year-old from Fort Saint James put pen to paper with the South Okanagan-based franchise.

Johnson spent parts of the past two seasons with the Madison Capitols of the United States Hockey League.

Last year, he was fourth in team scoring with 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 61 regular season games.

“Diego is a key addition to our team for the upcoming season. He has scored at every level, and we expect him to be a key contributor offensively to our lineup. He is a player that is not afraid to get to the scoring areas to create offence and has the skill to capitalize on those chances. He is another veteran player having already played three seasons of junior hockey, and his experience will help with our transition into the WHL,” said Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach Fred Harbinson.

Johnson also spent time in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials as well as a stint in Alberta with the Sherwood Park Crusaders.

He is committed to the University of Connecticut for the 2026-27 season.

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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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