Panthers draft pick signs for Belfast

Belfast Giants have confirmed the signing of Canadian forward Dustin Johner.

The 34-year-old arrives in Belfast from Villacher SV following two seasons with the Austrian Hockey League side.

After being drafted by Florida Panthers in 2001, Johner played 57 games in the AHL and 198 in the ECHL before moving to Europe for the 2007/08 season to sign for Zurich Lions.

He won the Swiss A League championship with the Lions and then joined Innsbruck and Heilbronner in consecutive seasons.

Johner spent five successful years in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, scoring 106 goals with 108 assists.

He won promotion with Vaxjo Lakers in 2010/11 and again in 2013/14 with Djurgardens. In 2014/15 he led the league in powerplay goals with 17 while with Vasteras.

Head Coach Adam Keefe said: “Johner is one of those guys that no matter who you speak to about him, they have nothing but positive things to say – as a player, person and teammate.

“We are really excited to add a player of Dustin’s pedigree to the Belfast Giants. He’s another new signing that will leave it all out on the ice for this city.”