Mark Johnston

(June 14, 1956 — Jan. 14, 2024)

Born in Wawanesa, Man., he came out of minor hockey as a highly touted defenceman. He played 33 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings, at 15, in 1971-72 and 40 as a 16-year-old. . . . Six-year junior career was plagued by shoulder problems; he played 131 games over his last four seasons, all of them in the MJHL. . . . He joined the Wheat Kings as director of scouting for the 1989-90 season. Was assistant coach and director of scouting for 11 seasons (1990-2001). . . . Spent 12 seasons (2001-13) scouting for the Kelowna Rockets, helping build the 2004 Memorial Cup champions. . . . Helped Kelowna (3) and Brandon (2) to five WHL titles. . . . An assistant coach with the U18 AAA Wheat Kings who won the 2004 national championship. . . . Returned to the Wheat Kings as head scout in 2013. . . . He also excelled at fastball and golf.