Former Barrie Colts head equipment manager Clayton Johns has joined the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant equipment manager for the 2026-27 season, earning his first full-time NHL opportunity following more than a decade working in junior and professional hockey.

Johns joins the Kings after spending the past two seasons with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign, where he served as head equipment manager from 2024-26.

The move marks another milestone for Johns, who spent four seasons as head equipment manager of the Barrie Colts from 2017-21, following two seasons as an assistant equipment manager with the Oshawa Generals.

During his time in Barrie, Johns oversaw the club’s equipment operations and dressing room preparation. When the OHL’s 2020-21 season was cancelled, he gained his first NHL experience working as an equipment assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Johns continued his career with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, serving as head equipment manager from 2021-24 before joining the Reign.

His experience also includes international competition, having served as an equipment manager with Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Johns’ journey in hockey began at just 12 years old, when he became a stick boy for the OHL’s Toronto St. Michael’s Majors. He later joined the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League as an assistant equipment manager, developing his skills in equipment maintenance and skate sharpening.

A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, Johns also worked with the Ravens men’s hockey program before joining the Generals for the 2015-16 season.

Now entering his first full-time NHL season, Johns brings nearly two decades of experience across multiple levels of hockey to the Kings’ equipment staff.

The Kings’ official announcement confirms the appointment, and Johns also shared the news himself on October 12.