JOHNSTON RECALLED FROM JUNIOR 'A'

The Saint John Sea Dogs recalled Will Johnston from the Summerside Western Capitals of the MJAHL today. The move – unexpected again – was announced today in a press release by Sea Dogs associate coach and director of hockey operations Mike Kelly.

“Will the Thrill” is known for his fights more than his hockey skills. He currently leads the Maritime Junior “A” Hockey League in penalty minutes with 191 in 35 games played this year. In those games, the winger has 19 goals and 19 assists.

Johnston was traded from Montreal to Saint John on August 19, 2009 in exchange for twelfth round draft pick. He did not report to Sea Dogs training camp in August but did accept the call earlier this season when he played in two games with Saint John.

He registered two shots in his couple of games with one of them being a decent scoring chance. He won’t be remembered for that however, as he dropped the gloves with Cape Breton heavy weight Kalin Paul in a 3-1 win over the Eagles at Harbour Station.

Johnston threw the fists like there was no tomorrow and knocked down Paul easily. Paul left the game and did not return. It was later revealed that he suffered an injury during the tilt.

It is unknown how long Johnston will stay with club, as nobody has been reported as injured and they have a full crop of forwards on their roster already. When Johnston was sent back to the MJAHL earlier this season, Aiden Kelly was called up for the remainder of the year.

It could be a coincidence, but the Sea Dogs play the same Cape Breton team twice this weekend on Friday and Sunday at Harbour Station. Also, the Dogs take on Bathurst Wednesday. The Titan are tied with Halifax for the most fighting majors this year with 54.

Against Bathurst, Saint John has had 11 fights including three involving Mike Thomas and two with Nathan Beaulieu. On October 25 four fights broke out while three took place on January 16 between the two.

Only two fights have taken place when the Sea Dogs have played Cape Breton this season. Both were in the game on January 8 when Johnston took on Paul.

Saint John has only been a part of 28 fights this season, third lowest in the QMJHL.

Mike Thomas is the only obvious fighter in Sea Dogs’ lineup. The Saint John captain struggled on Saturday in Moncton as he got knocked around rather easily by the likes of tough guy Tyler Howe.

JOHNSTON VS PAUL