HAMILTON – Colgate Men’s Hockey defenseman Ryan Johnston signed an entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens organization on Monday and will forego his senior season.
The 23-year-old blueliner agreed to terms with the Canadiens after taking part in their development camp last week. The contract is a two-way deal for the 2015-16 & 2016-17 seasons.
A native of Sudbury, Ont., Johnston was one of seven players to appear in all 38 games for the Raiders during the 2014-15 season. He tied for the team lead in scoring among defensemen, notching 15 points on one goal and 14 assists. He also ranked among the top 10 defensemen in ECAC Hockey in both assists (7th) and points (T-9th). In his own end, Johnston ranked third on the team in blocked shots (39) and was fourth on the team in plus/minus rating (+12).
During his three-year career in Hamilton, Johnston appeared in 110 games in a Colgate uniform, amassing 42 points on five goals and 37 assists.
“I want to thank Ryan for his three years at Colgate,” Colgate head coach Don Vaughan said. “Ryan feels at this time he is ready to take the next step in achieving his goal of playing in the National Hockey League. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves onto his professional career.”
Johnston is the second player from the class of 2016 to agree to terms with an NHL club since the completion of the 2014-15 season. Forward Kyle Baun signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and appeared with the club in the final three games of the regular season.
