Mar. 25, 2008
Duluth News Tribune

Three from Denfeld make all-area hockey teams

Denfeld senior hockey forwards Jake Johnson and Chris Stafne were both chosen to the Duluth News Tribune's All-area First Team. Senior denfenseman Trent Johnson made the Second Team.

Jake Johnson

* Creative winger scored 27 goals and led the Northland with 50 assists, tying linemate Chris Stafne for the area lead with 77 points.

* Led the Hunters to a 17-11 overall record, 6-2 in the Lake Superior Conference and a berth in Section 5A final.

* Scored eight power-play goals, seven short-handed, and had a handful of six-point games and one eight-point game.

* All-LSC and Associated Press All-State honorable mention selection is playing for Sioux City in the United States Hockey League.

Chris Stafne

* Center led the Northland with 47 goals — 14 more than anyone else — and totaled 77 points as Hunters nearly ended a 19-year state tournament drought.

* Division I prospect totaled 10 hat tricks, had four four-goal games and scored five times against Ashland.

* Scored 10 power-play goals and four more in short-handed situations, making the Hunters dangerous on special teams.

* Named All-LSC first team and All-State honorable mention, played in CCM All-Star Series and chosen to play in Great Eight tournament.

Trent Johnson

* Steady blueliner scored five goals and added 23 assists on high-scoring Hunters team that scored eight or more goals six times.

* Played a big role in Denfeld’s first section championship game appearance in many years.

* Skilled player excelled on offensive attack, often bringing the puck deep into the zone to create scoring chances.

* Will play next season in the NAHL and has drawn interest from several Division III schools.