Chiefs’ Johnson earns three awards

The numbers – 51 goals, 61 assists, 111 points – are amazing, but the one that defines Tyler Johnson is three.

That’s how many years the Liberty Lake native has received the Humanitarian Award at the Spokane Chiefs’ final home game of the regular season.

That is also how many awards the Central Valley graduate picked up before Friday’s WHL game against Seattle.

In addition to the Humanitarian Award, Johnson was named the Ken Rabel Most Sportsmanlike Player for the second time and Player of the Year.

Crowd favorite Darren Kramer also received multiple awards – Rookie of the Year and Players’ Player, which is determined by the players.

Brenden Kichton was named the John “Hitman” Hern Defenseman of the Year. The 18-year-old has put together one of the most impressive seasons by a defenseman.

Brady Brassart received the scholar award for the second time.

Johnson’s 50-goal season is the 11th in the franchise’s 26 seasons. It comes on the heels of Kyle Beach getting 50 last year. Johnson’s 111 points are the most scored by a Chief in 17 season.

Kramer joined the team five games into the season and was an instant hit with a goal and his first fight. Now the 19-year-old leads the league in 5-minute majors (46) and penalty minutes (304) by wide margins as he protects his teammates.

Kichton, a three-year veteran, has 23 goals, third all time for a blue-liner, and his 78 points are second. He also leads the WHL at plus-78.

Dave Trimmer