A former Cariboo Cougar is going to play for the Humboldt Broncos next season, where there’s a surprise family connection.
Brody Johnston will suit up for the rebuilding Saskatchewan-league franchise in 2021-22, set to move to the community in the offseason after stints in Prince George minor hockey, junior ‘A’ and junior ‘B’ in the last few years.
The Vanderhoof defenceman’s uncle, Bob Johnston, was the Broncos’ former president dating back to the early 2010s and, according to the team, was discovered by coincidence by its current staff.
That connection could have a lasting effect given Johnston’s overall work ethic.
“Brody is described as a physical player with good mobility, defensive instincts, and offensive upside,” reads a Humboldt release of the 17-year-old.
“He has a presence on the ice and protects his teammates when needed.”
Johnston is moving two province’s over from the Kamloops Storm, where, before the 2020-21 season was ultimately cancelled by COVID-19, he notched two points in two exhibition games.
In his 2019-20 campaign, he split 29 games with the Storm and 18 with the Merritt Centennials, providing five assists with the BCHL club and 10 penalty minutes at age 16.
Before moving up the hockey ranks, Johnston played 34 games with Cariboo Hockey in Prince George; 29 with the Cariboo Under-16 AAA Cougars with three goals and 13 points, and five games with the Under-18 AAA team.
