University of Regina director of athletics Dick White announced Monday afternoon that Todd Johnson has been hired as the school's men's hockey head coach effective immediately.

Johnson has been an assistant coach with the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice for the past two seasons, helping guide the Ice to a league championship and an appearance in the Memorial Cup during the 2010-11 campaign.

“Todd brings to the Cougars a record of success – from his playing days in the WHL and Canada West to his time as a member of Kootenay's coaching staff,” White said. “We are confident that Todd is the right coach at the right time for this team.”

Prior to Johnson's time with Kootenay, he served as the head coach of the Midget AAA team for the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy (Kelowna, B.C.) for seven seasons.

His professional playing career spanned six seasons, including five in Germany and one with the Central Hockey League's Wichita Thunder. Johnson was also a five-year member of the University of Calgary's hockey team, being named Canada West's MVP following the 1996-97 campaign. He played for three full seasons in the WHL prior to his time with the Dinos, winning a Memorial Cup championship in 1992 with the Kamloops Blazers and serving as Red Deer's captain during the franchise's inaugural 1992-93 season.

Johnson, who grew up in Regina and becomes the eighth head coach in the 36-year history of the U of R's men's hockey program, will be introduced at a media conference this Wednesday (1:30 p.m.) at The Co-operators Centre.

courtesy of www.reginacougars.com