(Spruce Grove, AB) – Spruce Grove Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced today the club has acquired forward Ryan Johnstone from the Pickering Panthers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) in exchange for a player development fee.
Johnstone joins the Saints after appearing in 45 games for the Panthers over the last two seasons, compiling 13 goals, 24 assists for 37 points.
Johnstone is no stranger to the spotlight, competing in the 2022 Centennial Cup in Estevan, Saskatchewan, where he helped lead the Panthers to the championship game. Johnstone also played on the national stage this past season, where he represented Team Canada East at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Cornwall, Ontario.
Prior to his junior career, the Pickering, Ontario native developed in the Eastern AAA Hockey League (ETAHL) with the Ajax/Pickering Raiders, where he played U16AAA and U18AAA over a span of two seasons. During his time with the Raiders, Johnstone played 61 games, putting up 67 points (33 goals, 34 assists) along with 102 penalty minutes.
The 18-year-old left-handed shooting forward is listed at 6’1”, 201 pounds and will join the Saints for the upcoming season.
General Manager Rob Sklaruk spoke about the big addition to his team saying “We are beyond excited Ryan is joining the Saints organization. He is a powerful, dependable forward who possesses mature leadership qualities and plays hard in all areas of the ice.”
The Saints would like to welcome Ryan and the Johnstone family to the organization.
The Spruce Grove Saints had an exceptional season, setting a new franchise record for wins on home ice and earning over 100 points in the regular season for the first time in the Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment ownership era. They also claimed the 2023 North Division Champions title after defeating the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Bonnyville Pontiacs in the playoffs.
If you’re interested in supporting the Spruce Grove Saints, season tickets for the upcoming 2022-2023 season are available for purchase at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca.