BY COLE WALDIE
Prince George Cougars
The Prince George Cougars staff are thrilled to announce the signing of defenceman Eli Johnson (’08) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Johnson was selected by the Cougars in the seventh round, 154th overall of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.
Hailing from Regina, SK, Johnson is having a standout season with the Regina Pat Canadians U18 program, recording an impressive 48 points (8G-40A-48P) 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.”
Hockey runs in the Johnson family, as Eli’s father, Todd , is the Head Coach of the University of Regina Cougars men’s hockey program.