ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with rookie forward Matthew Johnson for the 2016-17 season, the team announced Thursday.
Johnson, 25, spent last season with Kallinge-Ronneby IF of Sweden’s Hockeyettan, posting 16 points (7g-9a) and 10 penalty minutes in 34 games while serving as an alternate captain.
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“Matt Johnson brings speed and physicality to our lineup,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He’s got a great work ethic and has been a leader on every team he’s played for.”
Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-10, 205-pound forward played collegiate hockey from 2012-15 for Ohio State University, where he played in 129 games for the Buckeyes, accumulating 43 points (26g-17a) and 79 penalty minutes. Johnson also served as an alternate captain during his senior season.
“I joined the Solar Bears because Coach Noreen is the type of coach who wants to win and make his players better,” Johnson said. “The professional atmosphere was what really attracted me here, and I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season.”
The native of Stillwater, Minn. also played junior hockey for the Waterloo Black Hawks and Tri-City Storm of the USHL, amassing 43 points (20g-23a) and 162 penalty minutes in 151 games. During his two seasons with the Storm, Johnson also held an alternate captain role.