Diego Johnson is coming back to B.C.
The 18-year-old forward who graduated from Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) before spending the last two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Penticton Vees.
A native of Fort St. James, the 5香蕉视频直播�11香蕉视频直播�, 179-pound winger has also suited up for the Merritt Centennials as a 16-year-old rookie during the 2022-23 BCHL campaign.
Fred Harbinson, the Vees' president, general manager, and head coach, said Johnson is a "key addition" to the club's WHL expansion roster.
"He has scored at every level, and we expect him to be a key contributor offensively to our lineup," Harbinson said. "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."
Johnson was with OHA of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League from 2019 to 2021.
After spending one season with Merritt in the BCHL, the winger moved east to Alberta and suited up for the Sherwood Park Crusaders.
Johnson's most recent action came in the USHL, where he recorded 55 points in parts of two seasons with the Madison Capitols.
"He is another veteran player having already played three seasons of junior hockey, and his experience will help with our transition into the WHL," Harbinson said of Johnson, who was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2021 WHL draft. The forward is committed to the University of Connecticut.
The Vees will begin their inaugural WHL season this September, as part of the WHL's Western Conference. The team's home opener, set for Sept. 26, will be played against the Kelowna Rockets at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
