Colorado Avalanche’s cornerstone defenseman, Erik Johnson, is finally getting some of the recognition he deserves. Only halfway through the 2014-15 season, and he’s already bested his career high for goals with 12 — which is tied for first on the team, by the way. He’s now taken lone possession of the goal total for defensemen in the NHL with today’s tally against the Dallas Stars.
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And now, because of Erik Johnson’s fabulous play, he’s been selected for the All Star Game being held in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, January 25. It will be Johnson’s first appearance.
While the announcement couldn’t have taken him completely by surprise — head coach Patrick Roy announced a week ago he was sure Johnson was a shoe-in for the All Star Game — Erik Johnson states it wasn’t until recently that he though it was a real possibility.
Naturally Johnson is delighted with the “great individual honor.” However for him, it’s always been a team effort:
"“It’s a reflection of a lot of great teammates that I have and great coaches who helped me get to where I’m at right now.”"
During an interview with the Avalanche website, Johnson mentioned more than once what a great honor the selection was. He also mentioned teammates and his support system repeatedly, adding, “It’s not an individual game, it’s a team game.”
Johnson is definitely right that hockey is not a game of individuals. Yet amongst a young core of players on the Avalanche, he’s the only one who can be said to be living up to his potential.
In addition to his teammates, Johnson definitely credits the coaching staff as well. He has been given more ice time this season — he leads the team in that category. With that time comes more responsibility, lining up against the top players and seeing action on both the power play and the penalty kill.
Next: The Importance of Being EJ
Johnson credits his increased endurance to a change in his off-season routine. On the recommendation of teammate Nathan MacKinnon, Johnson hired strength and conditioning coach Andy O’Brien for his off-season training. Coach Roy had stated he wanted Johnson to be able to play more minutes this season, so Johnson targeted his weight and his conditioning:
"“I lost a handful of weight. I feel a lot more conditioned on the ice. It just feels nice to go out there and feel good, and feel like you can make a difference every night.”"
Coach Roy believes in a meritocracy, and he has definitely rewarded Johnson with increased responsibility, which Johnson says he “relishes.”
Johnson also understands that, in addition to having a support group in your corner, it’s important to be a fan of yourself:
"“For me it shows that you’ve just got to believe in yourself and believe in what you can do, and it’ll pay off in the long run.”"
Indeed, Erik Johnson had had a roller coaster of a career in such a short time — just seven years. He’s had some lows, most significantly in the Joe Sacco years. Johnson acknowledges that fact, and how it has made him stronger:
"“It was kind of a rough road the last couple years before [his last two seasons]. It just kind of proves that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about you, just as long as you believe in yourself.”"
On a last note — for this post, anyway — it’s no secret that Erik Johnson is my favorite player. So much of that is because of his play — I firmly believe he’s the cornerstone of the Avalanche defense.
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However, I also really appreciate and even laud that he’s a class act. He’s a snarky young man, to be sure, and he’s got a mean streak on the ice, but when it comes to saying the right thing to the media, Johnson has it covered.
I was über-impressed by his poise five years ago when he got the shocking news that he’d been traded to the Avalanche — he remembered to thank everyone in St. Louis and remarked that he was excited and relieved that he was coming to Colorado.
I’m equally impressed that he remembered to thank everyone when this honor was bestowed upon him:
"“I couldn’t do it without [my teammates] and a great coaching staff, great organization, great fans.”"
Erik Johnson has not gotten the recognition he deserves to date, but I’m glad his reputation as a fabulous hockey player is finally moving in the right direction.