Hagel, Johnson going to Rockford
Red Deer Rebels graduating forwards and top two scorers Brandon Hagel and captain Reese Johnson have joined the Rockford IceHogs to conclude their seasons. Both players were free agent signings by the Chicago Blackhawks this season, with Hagel signing back in October after originally going unsigned by Buffalo who selected him in the sixth round (159th overall) in 2016. Johnson signed a lot more recently, having done so earlier this month (March 6th) at the tail end of a great two-way season for the overager.
Hagel, a native of Morinville, AB, finished the season with 102 points (41G, 61A) in 66 games along with six points (4G, 2A) in four playoff games before being eliminated by Prince Albert in four games. In 259 WHL games, all with the Rebels, he recorded 279 points (103G, 176A) in four seasons.
Johnson, from Saskatoon, SK, had a more modest season, though point totals don’t define his game, with 53 points (27G, 26A) in 67 games as well as two points (1G, 1A) in four playoff games. He ends his WHL career with 100 points (55G, 45A) in 187, also spending his whole time with Red Deer.
Three Stars of the Night
1st Star: Edmonton’s Trey Fix-Wolansky had two goals in a 5-3 win over Medicine Hat to take a 3-2 series lead.
2nd Star: Edmonton’s Andrei Pavlenko had a goal and an assist in the win over the Tigers.
3rd: Vancouver’s Trent Miner stopped 25 shots in a 3-2 win over Seattle to take a 3-2 series lead.
Honourable Mentions
Medicine Hat’s Ryan Chyzowski had two goals in the Game 5 loss to the Oil Kings….Vancouver’s Dylan Plouffe had a goal and an assist in the win over the Thunderbirds….
