It didn’t take long for Jake Johnson to sign on the dotted line. The Pats announced his signing on October 2nd, 2018. Johnson was drafted by the Pats in May of that year, and he then attended training camp in the fall.
NCAA is clearly the most common direction for US players. “Its drilled in everyone’s minds. That was my main focus. Once I got drafted (to the WHL), I didn’t really think too much of it. Then, when I came up here, (I) learned about the WHL and what Regina had to offer. Everyone was real good here. It seemed nice — a place I wanted to be,” said Johnson after a recent game.
Cracking a WHL roster isn’t easy, especially for a 16-year-old defenceman who is coming out of the United States.
“It’s been an adjustment from Arizona to Regina, but it’s been good. Guys are good. The pace is definitely faster, but I think I can handle it,” commented Johnson. He continued, “(As) a 16-year-old D, I’m just trying to do as much as I can, help the team, whatever they need from me.”
He has already stood up for his teammates. In a game in Moose Jaw, forward Ty Kolle was on the receiving end of a questionable hit, and Johnson immediately jumped in and gave the Moose Jaw player a piece of his mind and fists.
The talent in Arizona is getting better every day. Players like Auston Matthews are doing what Wayne Gretzky did to California in the 90’s.
“It definitely is getting better and better. Each year, all the teams have a couple kids who are advancing to juniors, USHL, some kids with college scholarship, so it’s definitely getting better around there.”
Moving away from home for hockey isn’t something new for Johnson. He spent his bantam draft year in Michigan. So when I asked him if he had any reservations moving to Canada, it was a quick “no”.
As for the future, Johnson said, “I love Regina — a good place to be. Hopefully we start winning some games, go on a deep playoff run.”
