ECHL: Adirondack Thunder Release Ben Johnson

The Adirondack Thunder released forward Ben Johnson, according to the ECHL Transactions page. This comes less than 12 hours after the team announced his signing. As expected, there was an uproar from the Thunder fanbase on social media after the announcement that he had signed with the team. Johnson, 31, has a murky past, as he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 2013 and was sentenced to three years in Prison three years later. The Calumet, Michigan, native began his career with the New Jersey Devils organization before his contract was terminated in September 2016. I expect the Thunder to try and fill the roster spot with another signing/trade in the near future.

Since being released from prison, Johnson has spent three seasons in the ECHL, including two with the Cincinnati Cyclones from 2018-2020. During his time with the Cyclones, he had 31 goals and 49 assists for 80 points in 104 games, and added three goals and an assist in 11 games during the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs. His last appearance in the ECHL came during the 2021-22 season with the Kansas City Mavericks. In 53 games with Kansas City, he’s put up 24 goals and 25 assists for 49 points. Johnson has spent the previous three seasons playing overseas in Slovakia.

What’s Next For Johnson

After being released, Johnson will hit the waiver wire, but it is very unlikely that another team will touch him. I would expect Johnson to pursue overseas opportunities as he looks to continue his playing career. This would almost guarantee that his playing career in North America is finished.