Flags bulk up defense with Doherty

The Port Huron Flags have signed defenseman John Doherty to strengthen their back line, which has suffered multiple injuries during the season.

Doherty, a native of Lynnfield, Mass., started the season with Quinnipiac College where he recorded two goals, three assists and five points in 16 games. Mid-season he signed with the Columbia Inferno of the ECHL and saw ice time in six games, before coming to Port Huron.

At 6-feet-4, 235 pounds, Doherty will add a strong physical presence to the Flags defense.

“We’re shorthanded right now and John is a big body,” said head coach Stan Drulia. “We’ve heard great things about him and we’re looking forward to getting him in our lineup. He’s going to add a little more depth to our blue line.”

In 2003, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Doherty in the second round, 57th overall. After playing in parts of two seasons at the University of New Hampshire , he finished the 2004-05 season with the United States Hockey League’s Des Moines Buccaneers, registering nine goals, seven assists and 96 penalty minutes in 39 games. He spent 2005-06 practicing at Quinnipiac, but was unable to suit up in games, due to NCAA transfer regulations.