Best of the West: Chiefs’ Johnson wins four categories

 Spokane native and Spokane Chiefs star Tyler Johnson was voted Top Defensive Forward, Best Over-Age Player, Best Skater and Best Faceoff Man in the Best of the West 2011 poll compiled by the Tri-City Herald and released Sunday morning.

 A total of 43 representatives from the 12 Western Hockey League teams in the Western Conference voted in a variety of categories but could not vote for anyone in their own organization.

 In addition to Johnson, who is having a MVP-type season, the Chiefs had two other winners. Captain Jared Cowen was voted Best Stay-at-Home Defenseman and Don Nachbaur was named Best Coach.

 A number of Chiefs were high up in other categories, including goalie James Reid and defenseman Brenden Kichton, plus general manager Tim Speltz.