Johnson brings veteran presence to Huskies

“When I made my decision to go to university, I checked out a couple different places on recruiting trips,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, the opportunity to come back to Saskatoon was the right one. I know my recruiting class had 10 of us that year and I knew each guy. Along with the older guys on the team, that was special to play with some long-time buddies and I built some good friendships that I will have for the rest of my life.”

Between knowing many of the guys on the team and coming home, it was also the reputation of the program that the Huskies have built that was the determining factor for Johnson.

“All those factors combined and once I made a decision, I am happy with it,” he said. “If I had to redo it, I think I would be making the same one today.”

Throughout his time with the Huskies, Johnson has been a depth scorer, but his leadership – on and off the ice, as well as his ability to be a strong two-way player and excellent penalty killer has been crucial for the team. Huskies head coach Mike Babcock has continually put Johnson’s line up against other team’s top lines and on the first penalty kill unit this season.

As much as Johnson has enjoyed his time on the ice, he has also liked the learning aspect on campus.

“Coming to university, its to prepare you for the next stage of your life. I think the university, throughout classes and the connections I’ve made with various projects and the people I’ve met, it has set me up. I’m in a position where I am excited to be graduating this year and starting my next chapter,” he said. “All of it, whether it’s the team or alumni, school or classes, it has helped me gain knowledge, experience and hopefully, a lot of things I can take with me to the next stage of my life.”

Johnson will graduate with a degree from the Edwards School of Business. He is already an entrepreneur, owning a lawn care company in the city and hopes to continue with that this summer.

“I like the entrepreneurial stuff, so I think as far as I have the ability to do that, I’m going to try and stick with that. That’s my thoughts as far as post career right now,” he said. “We’ve built up a good clientele and looking forward to growing.”

As the oldest player on the team, Johnson has tried to help some of the younger players make the transition from junior to university hockey and life.

“I like to check in with the younger guys. With our first- and second-year guys, with COVID, they haven’t been on campus, and it is a different experience for them being online. Just wanting to make sure they are getting the hang of it,” he explained. “The UofS is a full experience. The young guys have been awesome, and I am trying to help as much as I can. I hope to help set them up for the next couple of years.”

The seventh-ranked Bisons will be in town this weekend to face the fourth-seeded Huskies this weekend (Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday 5 p.m.). The Huskies will be looking to pick up four critical points and secure a home playoff spot in the Canada West conference. The team has a bye the final weekend of the season.

As the team looks to wrap up their final season games and head into the playoffs on a strong note, Johnson has good memories of his time with Huskies on their way to the national championship.

“The trips to nationals are always a good time. My first year, we played against the University of New Brunswick. We lost, but that was a good experience for us. Trips out to Lethbridge, Halifax and hopefully cap it off with another one this year in Halifax,” Johnson said.

Fans will be back in the building for the game, but HuskieFAN will have the call for both games on the app or at huskiefan.ca.

by Katie Brickman-Young

Johnson brings veteran presence to Huskies

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