The Chase Heat Junior Hockey Club has announced that team captain Kurtis Johnson has committed to Division II University of Central Oklahoma for next season.
Johnson came to the Heat three years ago as a rookie out of the famed Notre Dame Saskatchewan program. The durable leader missed only four contests during his stint with the Chase squad, while leading the team on and off the ice. The go-to veteran received the Most Valuable Player Award in 2011-12 as well as Warrior of the Year in 2013-14. He persevered through the ups and downs of the early development of a junior franchise and always rose to the top.
Johnson remembers all the early ups and downs with so many great friends.
“After three years I feel like Chase is home, thanks to everyone for making it special,” he said.
The Chase Heat just completed their third season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, finishing second in their division. The team has high expectations for the players wearing the red, white and black. Development of quality young men on and off the ice is the basis of the program. Education at both secondary and post-secondary levels are key components of the team’s focus.