The NHL's New Jersey Devils are taking quick action to cut ties with former Windsor Spitfires player Ben Johnson after he was found guilty of sexual assault on Thursday.
The Michigan native was drafted 90th overall by the Devils in 2012 and has remained in the team's minor league system since leaving the Spitfires, having played with the NHL team's affiliate in Albany.
Shortly after the guilty verdict came down against Johnson in a Windsor courtroom today, the Devils released a statement on the matter:
"Earlier today, the club was informed of Windsor Superior Court Justice Kirk Munroe's ruling against Mr. Johnson. Based on the ruling, the club has initiated the process required to terminate Mr. Johnson's Standard Player's Contract."
The release goes on to say the organization will have no further comment.
Johnson was found to be guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at a downtown Windsor bar in March of 2013.