All Star
"“His name struck fear into hearts of men Alexander [EJ] the Great Became a legend ‘mongst mortal men” ~from Alexander the Great"
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson has been named to the NHL All Star team. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
In January, head coach Patrick Roy remarked that Erik Johnson was the Avalanche “best player.” He also strongly stated that EJ should be the pick for the All Star Weekend.
He was. When the All Star selections were announced, Johnson was the only Colorado Avalanche player to have made the list.
Johnson was over the moon, though he played it cool. Naturally, he thanked his teammates and coaches both past and present who “helped me get to where I’m at right now.” He remembered to thank everyone, in fact:
"“I couldn’t do it without [my teammates] and a great coaching staff, great organization, great fans.”"
Where he was right now was the seeming pinnacle of his career. After all the doubters and haters, Johnson seemed to finally be getting the recognition he deserved. He stated:
"“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.”"
It was his first-ever NHL All Star nomination, though he appeared in the rookie version his first year in the NHL.
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