The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT August 25, 2012
To say that the last year of Tyler Johnson's hockey career has been a whirlwind, you'd be correct.
Johnson, 22, helped the American Hockey League's Norfolk Admirals win their first Calder Cup in franchise history and will be in training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning when training camp starts in September - provided the lockout is over.
JOHNSON, WHO was in Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday, brought the Calder Cup with him to show to fans in the Spokane area, where he graduated from Central Valley High.
His playing career began with the Coeur d'Alene Junior League Colts, where he played from 2005 to 2007 before moving on to the Spokane Chiefs.
Johnson took time out on Tuesday to meet with fans from Coeur d'Alene at the Frontier Ice Arena - formerly the KYRO Ice Arena.
"It's unbelievable," said Johnson of the new facility. "Seeing the old facility transform into this is amazing. They've done a top-notch job."
After his youth career ended, Johnson played with the Spokane Chiefs - helping the team win the Memorial Cup in 2008. He signed a free agent contract with Norfolk in 2011.
"It's been a dream come true," Johnson said. "The transition from juniors to here (the American Hockey League) is something that a lot of people struggle with. But thankfully for myself, I've had a lot of great veteran leadership. I've had a great group of guys and we were a very close group."
In 14 games in the Calder Cup playoffs, Johnson, a center, scored six goals - tied for second on the team - and had eight assists. During the regular season, Johnson played in 75 games, scoring 31 goals and adding 37 assists.
"It was amazing to be able to be part of that team," Johnson said. "That could have been one of the best AHL teams ever assembled."
Norfolk won 29 straight games during its run to the Calder Cup.
“To have a part in a pro hockey record in my first year playing is incredible,” Johnson said.
SHOULD THE start of the training camp be delayed for an extended period of time, Johnson will return to Norfolk for this season.
“If the CBA isn’t resolved by then, I won’t get the chance with them (the Lightning) this year,” Johnson said.
If he does go, Johnson intends to stick with the Lightning.
“After last year, I’m going to have some confidence coming back this year,” Johnson said, “knowing that I could possibly be there. I’ve played against guys that have played in the NHL on a constant basis. I’m ready to be there, and I want to be there — but it’s all up to Tampa.”
From Coeur d’Alene to Spokane and on to Norfolk, Johnson has enjoyed the journey.
“It’s crazy,” Johnson said. “It has been really different than anything I could have dreamed of. To start in smaller rinks like this to where I am now — it’s been a lot of work. I’m very blessed to have the people in my life to help me become the player and person I am right now. Spokane is a great hockey community and Coeur d’Alene is really up and coming. Thankfully now those people won’t have to make the journey to Spokane because they’ll have a facility here.”
As far as advice for younger players, Johnson added that enjoying the sport is the biggest key to success.
“I think the biggest thing is to have fun,” Johnson said. “Hockey is one of those things you need to have fun when you play. You spend a lot of hours on the ice and practice a lot. If you don’t think it’s fun, you’re not going to want to do it. You just have to have that outlook to have fun. A lot of these kids out here today are having fun, and it’s a good atmosphere to see.”
Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com.