Graduating Class: Isaac Johnson impressed in Winnipeg ICE’s opening season

 

It only cost the Winnipeg ICE a fourth-round pick to acquire Isaac Johnson, the leading scorer of their opening season.

That may be the best use of a fourth-round pick the ICE will ever make.

The ’99-born forward endeared himself to ICE general manager Matt Cockell with his creativity, hockey sense, and skill. Cockell called the Tri-City Americans to bring Johnson closer to home.

“We thought [he would] be a good fit into our group,” said Cockell.

Cockell thought well as the Andover, Minnesota, native became one of the key pieces to the ICE’s success in their inaugural season.

An Interesting Season

Isaac Johnson’s year with the Winnipeg ICE started off in a relatable manner: getting lost on his way to the arena. His GPS guided him into a farmer’s field five minutes from the rink and he got stuck in the field.

The ICE sent assistant GM Jake Heisinger to find their lost player. Heisinger also got stuck in the farmer’s field.

Were it not for a skilled tow truck driver (who almost got stuck as well), Isaac Johnson might have missed his first meeting with his new coach James Patrick.

After that memorable first day, Johnson got to work in ICE training camp, skating for the first time in nine months after an injury halted his 2018-19 season. It took Patrick some time to get a read on his new player.

With the help of his new team and his new billet family, Johnson eventually settled in.

“On a weekly basis, you could see him get a little more comfortable,” Patrick said.

Along with that newfound comfort level came leadership, both on and off the ice.

On the ice, Johnson led the team with his second straight season at a point-per-game pace. He set career highs in goals (28), assists (45), and points (73). He stepped up to help provide scoring while star centre Peyton Krebs was on the injury list, playing a big role in helping the ICE clinch a playoff spot before the unfortunate early end to the season.

Isaac Johnson celebrating a goal with his teammates.
Isaac Johnson/Brad Ginnell (Photo-Brian Liesse)

As impressive as Johnson’s on-ice play was, he made an even more substantial impact off the ice.

Johnson became exactly what Patrick hoped for from any 20-year-old in the WHL: a player everyone could look to as the standard and talk to as a close friend.

Johnson included everyone in team activities, sat with everyone at team meals, and helped his teammates feel like they belonged.

Chief among these was helping rookie Michael Teply. The Winnipeg ICE’s 2019 import draft selection came to North America speaking little English. Johnson stepped up to make sure Teply knew when and where he needed to be, along with helping him adapt to North American style hockey.

Patrick expressed his gratitude towards Johnson’s leadership, especially how he handled himself around the younger players.

“He made it so much easier for our young guys to feel like part of the team,” said Patrick.

Patrick is hoping for older players like Jackson Leppard, who played with Johnson for most of the season, to emulate Johnson and lead by example.

Johnson’s Next Step

Isaac Johnson’s WHL career is over, but his hockey evolution has taken a huge step forward. Johnson signed a one-year AHL contract with the Manitoba Moose on April 8th, his first foray into professional hockey.

“We’re looking forward to following the next stage of his development,” said Cockell.

In the WHL, Johnson could make high-end plays with no space. However, he’ll have to be prepared for a talent level he’s never competed against.

“[In the AHL], the game is faster, and the players are stronger,” Patrick said. “A 190-pound player in the AHL is a lot stronger than a 190-pound player in the WHL.”

Patrick played in almost 1,300 NHL games across 21 seasons and has seen all different levels of the game. He knows what it takes to reach hockey’s greatest league. While he believes Johnson has areas of his game that need polishing, Patrick also knows Johnson is ready to take on that challenge.

“He’s got the hands and the vision,” Patrick said. “He’s the kind of guy who can make plays.”

For inspiration next season, Johnson can look to his teammate Kristian Reichel, who signed an NHL contract with the Jets during the pause after two seasons playing with the Moose.

The AHL and Isaac Johnson are tentatively set to begin play December 4.