Former Red Wing Reinvigorates Ben Johnson’s Career Post-Prison Sentence

Ben Johnson, a 31-year-old hockey player from Calumet, Michigan, is receiving a second chance in his career thanks to former Detroit Red Wings forward Steve Martinson. This opportunity comes nine years after Johnson was imprisoned for a sexual assault conviction in 2016. Martinson, now the general manager and coach of the Allen Americans, signed Johnson to an amateur tryout (ATO) contract, marking a significant moment in both their lives.

Background of Ben Johnson

Johnson’s past includes a conviction for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 2013 at a Windsor nightclub. Initially sentenced to three years in prison, he served one month in Windsor and an additional 12 months in Kingston. Following his guilty verdict, he was released by the New Jersey Devils, who had drafted him in the third round in 2012.

Career Rehabilitation

Martinson, who played briefly for the Red Wings and led the Allen Americans to four Kelly Cup championships, believes in redemption. He stated, “Since Ben’s incident at 18, he has matured into a man of faith, a husband, and a father of two.” He emphasized the importance of giving players a second chance, noting that Johnson has transformed his life positively.

• Johnson played for multiple ECHL teams, including the Kansas City Mavericks and Cincinnati Cyclones.
• He has averaged nearly a point per game, with 143 points in 182 ECHL matches.
• Last year, he competed in Slovakia, achieving 34 points in 39 games.

Upcoming Games for Allen Americans

The Allen Americans, a minor-league affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, have an exciting schedule ahead. They will play against the Tulsa Oilers on New Year’s Eve at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center, starting at 7:10 p.m. Following that, they will have three consecutive games against the Tahoe Knight Monsters at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nevada:

Last month, Johnson had a brief agreement with the ECHL Adirondack Thunder, a team affiliated with the NHL New Jersey Devils. However, he was released shortly after due to backlash on social media. Despite these challenges, Johnson continues to demonstrate his commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact through his experiences.