Colorado Avalanche: Erik Johnson is Mr. USA

The Colorado Avalanche have one player going for Team USA at the World Cup of Hockey, defenseman Erik Johnson. Find out how he’s Mr. USA.

Everybody loves their country, right? Well, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson is a real dyed in the wool (red, white and blue naturally) patriot. And now he’s back where he belongs — representing the United States in international competition.

This isn’t Johnson’s first Team USA rodeo — not by a long shot. He was trained in the US National Development Team Program starting with his junior year in high school. Indeed, he had to leave home for Michigan for that reason. In all, Johnson has appeared in eight international competitions for Team USA, earning five medals. Those medals include back to back gold in Under-18 competitions as well as a silver medal in the 2010 Olympics.

Fun fact: Erik Johnson had to take an incomplete in his second semester of college at the University of Minnesota so he could go to Moscow, Russia, and compete in the IIHF World Under-20 competition there.

In any case, it’s no surprise that those back to back golds are one of his fondest memories of international play. Unfortunately, his Olympic experience was bittersweet, as he told NHL Network:

"“It’s still tough looking back at 2010 and being one goal away from a gold medal.”"

However, it should come as no surprise such as class act as Erik Johnson has mostly positive things to say about the experience:

"“What an experience that was. I was, I think, 21 years old and playing in one of the biggest games anyone will ever play in. To walk away with a silver is definitely something you can hang your hat on. It was such a cool experience to come home with that, even though it wasn’t gold.”"

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Johnson has been an integral part of USA Hockey in international competitions. In 54 games he’s earned 14 goals and 19 assists — plus 93 penalty minutes. (He plays with passion.)

That’s why so many people were surprised he got left off the 2014 Olympic Games roster. He was in the midst of matching his career season and was simply playing really good hockey. The committee never explained why he was left off the roster.

Johnson admits he was “super disappointed not to be able to go to Sochi and bring the gold back to the U.S.” Well, it looks like that lack cost Team USA. The defensive roster certainly wasn’t terrible:

John Carlson (Washington Capitals)
Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes)
Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks)
Paul Martin (Pittsburgh Penguins at the time)
Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers)
Brooks Orpik (Pittsburgh Penguins at the time)
Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues)
Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild)

It’s just that they weren’t quite good enough. The current World Cup roster includes Suter, McDonagh and Carlson from the 2014 Olympic roster. However, in addition to Erik Johnson, the following players are also in:

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets
Matt Niskanen, Washington Capitals
Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jack Johnson was also part of the 2010 team, as was Suter.

During his NHL Network interview, Erik Johnson gave some insight into how the current defensive corps was chosen:

"“I think they wanted to go back to the mold from 2010, especially going back to the smaller ice. So they wanted some bigger D who can still skate and move the puck. Fortunately I fit that mold.”"

Naturally, Erik Johnson is thrilled and honored to be back on Team USA. He’s also typically humble:

"“There are so many great guys who could have been named to the team that weren’t. I’m just happy to be one of the guys that was.”"

I must admit, I was gearing up to hate on the World Cup of Hockey because it was setting the NHL season back, and I’m worried some of the Colorado Avalanche players could get injured. Those are still concerns for me.

Next: American-Born Avalanche

However, since Erik Johnson, Mr. USA, is going to be competing, I’m not only interested in the World Cup of Hockey, I’m cheering for Team USA. In recent international tournaments, I’ve been for Team Canada because of all the Colorado Avalanche players representing. However, on this Independence Day, it’s all Erik Johnson and “USA! USA!”