Former Spokane Chief Tyler Johnson has been named the Professional Athlete of the Year by the Inland Northwest Sportswriters and Broadcasters (SWABs).  Johnson earned the honor through votes collected from Eastern Washington and North Idaho media.

The 21-year-old was named the WHL's Most Sportsmanlike and Western Conference Player of the Year last season after scoring 53 goals and 115 points in 71 games.  He became the first Chief in 17 seasons to record more than 100 points in a single season and his play earned him a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Johnson is currently playing for the Norfolk Admirals, the Lightning's American Hockey League affiliate.  He is also a three time winner of the Chiefs' Humanitarian of the Year award.

Johnson, as well as other award winners, will be honored at the annual Junior Awards Luncheon Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., at the Spokane Convention Center.  Wednesday’s Youth Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Spokane Regional Sports Commission and SWABs, will reveal the Junior girls and boys athletes, teams and coaches winners and the recipients of several special awards. Johnson will not be in attendance.