The Cowichan Capitals have acquired 2002 born defenceman Jackson Murphy-Johnson and Future Considerations from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Grande Prairie Storm in exchange for 2000 born forward Cole Broadhurst and 2001 defenceman Johnny Howie.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play in Cowichan. I’m super excited and I can’t wait to get things started” said Murphy-Johnson.
Murphy-Johnson spent the 2019/2020 season with the Trail Smoke Eaters, where he amassed 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 38 games in his rookie junior hockey campaign. Prior to that, he played for the Vancouver NE Chiefs in the British Columbia Major Midget League, totalling 5 goals and 27 points in 78 games. From Burnaby, BC, Murphy Johnson stands 6’2″ and weighs 190 lbs.
“We are very excited to had Jackson Murphy-Johnson to our lineup. At 18 he already has a year in the BCHL in a great program in Trail. He has really good size and reach and is a very committed player on and off the ice. We feel this is an upgrade on our blue line and we are bringing in a player with lots of upside” said Capitals Head Coach Geoff Grimwood.
Broadhurst, who is headed into his 20 year old season, spent 3 seasons with the Capitals, and comes off a 7 goal, 17 point season. The Ladysmith product totalled 35 points over the three seasons in which he suited up for 157 regular season games and another 12 in the playoffs, recording a goal. Johnny Howie played one season for Cowichan, as an 18 year old rookie and scored 1 goal and 7 points in 41 games.
“This was an extremely hard trade to make as Cole has been a huge part of the Capitals for the past three seasons. Being from Ladysmith he is obviously a player with all sorts of connections in the community and was a popular player. We really felt this was the best move for Cole’s career going forward. It gives him a chance to have a clean slate in a new league and continue to progress as a player. We certainly wish him all the best and he will always be welcome back as an alumnus of the Capitals” said Grimwood.
The Capitals wish Cole and Johnny the best of luck in Grande Prairie and welcome Jackson Murphy-Johnson to the Cowichan Valley!
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