For more information:
Chris Bilder, Public Relations, Eugene Generals
541-359-4154 (office)
541-680-6222 (cell)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2010
LA Jr. Kings U18 AAA's Christian Johnson Tenders with Generals
Eugene, OR - The Eugene Generals announced today that they have tendered Christian Johnson of the LA Jr. Kings U18 AAA program. This is the second time Johnson has tendered with the Generals, as he signed last off-season after a successful U16 AAA season with the LA Selects. This is the Generals fifth tender of the 2010 off-season.
“I feel like it’s a good place to go to in the NORPAC, compared to all the other teams that match up against the Generals,” Johnson said. “I’m just looking forward to playing Juniors, and playing at the highest level I can play. I’m excited to see what that will be like.”
Johnson scored 7 goals and added 7 assists in 46 games with the Jr. Kings last season while playing in the highly competitive Tier 1 Elite League. Johnson feels that despite his point output this season, he can put up a lot of points for the Generals.
“I definitely feel like I can benefit the team in scoring. I didn’t score a lot this season in a really difficult league. I feel like I can bring speed, and I can help control the tempo of the game when I have the puck on my stick.”
Johnson wowed the Generals coaching staff last year with his scoring and playmaking abilities, but that’s not all he’s bringing to the table this season. Johnson has had a chance to improve his game over the course of the season, and he feels like playing with the Jr. Kings has made him more of a complete player.
“I feel my game has changed a lot over the course of the season. I feel like I’ve become more of an all-around player. I can still score and make assists, but I feel like my mindset in the offensive and defensive zone has gotten a lot better. I think the thing I improved most during the season is my work in my own zone. I also feel like I’ve improved when I have the puck on my stick, and knowing where to be when the puck isn’t on my stick.”
The Generals coaching staff, who had hoped to get Christian to Eugene last season, is very excited about having Christian tendered for the 2010/11 season. They look for Johnson to make up for lost time on the ice, and show what he can do in Junior hockey.
“I’m glad to see Johnson in the mix again this season,” Generals head coach Jay Miller stated. “I’m thinking he’s going to get on the ice and make up for lost time at the Junior level. I can’t wait to see him show up in August and earn that Generals jersey.”
For more information on Generals tenders or the upcoming season please visit eugenegenerals.com.