West Central native Kolby Johnson will be returning to the North American pro hockey ranks next season. After playing 34 games with the ECHL's Worcester Railers last season, the team announced at the end of July that Johnson had re-signed with them for the 2025-26 season
Johnson has been playing hockey down under while getting the contract situation figured out. Currently 19 games into the Australian Ice Hockey League season with the Perth Thunder, Johnson has 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 19 games played, the tough customer also logging 62 penalty minutes.
Related Stories:
After leaving the USPORTs ranks in 2023-24 playing with Trinity Western University, Johnson signed pro in the SPHL with the Macon Mayhem. He mixed it up for 32 PIM in two games, his toughness earning him a gig with the Danbury Hat Tricks of the FPHL to end 2024.
Johnson was back in the SPHL to start last season where he played three games with the Pensacola Ice Flyers, before being picked up by the ECHL's Railers on a loan. He moved to the northeast and played 34 games, taking on a physical role as he picked up 100 penalty minutes to go along with two goals and two assists.
Johnson made the decision to sign in Australia at the tail end of the ECHL season when he was made a reserve, with goals of playing summer hockey while working something out with the Railers back in North America. He now has a full contract upon his return this fall and will look to bring over some of his scoring touch rediscovered down under these past few months.