While most of the Battlefords North Stars had nearly two weeks between games, it wasn't the case for Braeden Johnson.
Johnson played four games with the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1.
Johnson has WHL experience, as he has played 31 games with the Saskatoon Blades last season and 31 games during the 2009-10 campaign. Johnson was called up because the Oil Kings were short players due to the World Juniors and the World Under 17 Tournament.
The Oil Kings played in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Brandon and Regina and while Johnson didn't record a point he was a +1 in the Brandon game and returned to the North Stars healthy for action Tuesday night.
Johnson is one of six players on the North Stars with WHL experience. Travis Sparrow played 55 games throughout the 2008-09 season and into last season with the Regina Pats, earning one assist, a -2 rating and 61 penalty minutes. Brody Luhning played 30 games with Swift Current, five with the Calgary Hitmen and the pre-season this season with Regina while recording an assist, a -12 rating and 20 penalty minutes. Woody Klassen has played three games with the Saskatoon Blades. Brett Miller has played 48 career WHL games recording one goal, two assists, a -9 rating and 23 penalty minutes. Miller has suited up for Regina, Red Deer, Everett and Chilliwack. Graham Hildebrand played one game with Brandon earning an overtime loss while making 35 saves in 2007.
At least five others on the North Stars' roster have either been drafted, been to a camp or played pre-season in the WHL.
