University of Minnesota Athletics
Mindset of a Netminder: Senior Goalie Justin Johnson
12/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
That senior is Justin Johnson. The same Justin Johnson who came to the Maroon and Gold after an 18-3 stint with the Lincoln Stars in the USHL. The same Justin Johnson who won his three starts in limited action as a freshman. The same Justin Johnson who went 10-2-2 during the last NCAA championship run the Golden Gophers made. And the same Justin Johnson who in 13 appearances provided what the Golden Gophers needed while current goalie Kellen Briggs learned the ropes.
This season, Johnson's role is similar to last year, to provide depth and play that critical backup role, giving the Golden Gophers experience at the goalie position. Coach Don Lucia doesn't doubt that Johnson will fill that role as he always has. He stated, "Justin has proven himself after playing in some big games for us in the past few years. We're looking for him to give us about 10 games this season. I think he can play that backup role very well for us." Johnson who is described as a "solid, butterfly style" goaltender had dreams of competing for the starting job this season, but with the Gophers off to such a hot start and a number one ranking in the nation, it would be foolish to mess with the elements that have brought success. In his last year minding nets in Mariucci, Johnson has embraced his backup role and tried to find ways in which he can contribute to the team.
The psychology major commented that its more than a role, it's a mindset. "It's a mindset that everyone should have. It's just being a team-oriented guy. I just have to find a way to contribute in some way, in order to add to the team's success," stated Johnson. Johnson feels that he is able to adapt to a backup mindset better than others because it takes a certain mindset or mental toughness just to play goalie. When goals are scored, the casual fans blame the goalie; they may not see the terrible pass or bad defense that led to the goal. A goalie is always the hero in a win or the goat in a loss.
Johnson explained his theory of goaltending as, "It's a difficult position. You can have a lot of talent, and the best teachers, but it is the ones with the right mindset who are the best. If you can't handle criticism, and block stuff out, you better change positions." Johnson is able to embrace his role for different reasons. First of all, he loves playing hockey, and although he may not get in many games, this is still what he loves to do. Second he has been on two NCAA championship teams and knows that in order to accomplish a feat like that, every individual has to put the team first and give their all in whatever they do. Third, Johnson is a senior, he just wants to enjoy this last season and take it for what it's worth. He knows that he gets to do something only a few young hockey players get to do, be a Golden Gopher.
Even though Lucia originally saw Johnson playing about 10 games this season, Johnson has only participated in one. He still goes to practice and gives his all knowing his next opportunity is one injury or coaching decision away. With the toughest part of the Golden Gophers schedule out of the way for the 2004-05 season, opportunities may arise sooner than later. One of those opportunities may come in the Dodge Holiday Classic on December 22-23.
Johnson knows this and admits that it makes practice a little more fun, and adds to his week, when he can prepare knowing there is a better chance he'll play. "You'd like to think that every week is the same, but in reality it's not. When you know you'll get the start, you're a little more focused. Even off the ice there's a little more hop in your step," stated the senior.
It's been a long time since Johnson's first start back in 2001-02 versus Colgate, when he became the first Golden Gopher goalie since 1996-97 to record a shutout in his first career start. Throughout those four years, Johnson's career has endured many twists and turns and it seems like two different worlds when Johnson compares going through that first season to what he experiences now.
"It really is like two completely different versions of me. Back then I didn't know what to expect and was filled with excitement and nervousness. I thrived on that, and really didn't have to do much to get up for a game because everything was new and fresh. Now it is all about mind games, if I know I'm probably not going to start I have to find what's going to excite me. Lately I've been thinking, if you get out there, this will be one of the last games of competitive hockey I'll ever be a part of. It's that kind of mindset as opposed to basking in the new experience," explained Johnson like a true psychology student.
Johnson is excited for his next opportunity, but also pointed out that it is hard for a goalie to get thrown in there sparingly. "I'm very excited to get a start; it's something I'm always working for, but it can be difficult too. It's been a while since I was out there. When you are playing once a month it's different, I'm still not used to it, but you have to make the most of what you get," Johnson said.
Johnson added another shutout to his resume last season, and both of his career shutouts have come in the comfort of Mariucci Arena, so getting the start in the Dodge Holiday Classic could bring Golden Gopher fans some holiday joy. Johnson acknowledged his home success, but doesn't view it as something to hang his hat on.
He stated, "I think goalies should pride themselves on winning on the road in a hostile environment. Don't get me wrong, winning at home is great, especially for the fans, but the athlete and the competitor in me likes challenges. Besides the best players win on the road." Johnson provided yet another insightful analysis, from a man who spends his time off the ice reading about the theories of Pavlov and Freud.
As far as his own theories about where he'll end up after his last season, Johnson is only full of hypotheses. "I'm not quite sure what the future holds for me. Eventually I'd like to start my own business. I'm not quite ready for the nine to five deal yet, but I realize I have to learn the ropes somewhere. I'm pretty much open to anything," Johnson said. One thing that Johnson does know is that he is going to miss the entire experience he has had here at the U. He commented on the family type bonds that are made between teammates and that it is something you just don't get outside of sports. "I'm going to miss just hanging out with the guys, and the good times we have in the locker room. These guys are some of my best buddies, and you know you say you'll keep in contact, but the truth is, it will never be the same as it is for the four years you are here," Johnson stated.
No matter what Johnson decides to do, it would be surprising to see him stray too far from home. Growing up in Ham Lake, Minn., Johnson decided to attend the U not only because of its great tradition, but also because it's close to home. Family is very important to Johnson and he loves being able to see them on a regular basis.
"A big thing in my decision to come here was family. I wanted the chance to see my younger brothers and sisters grow up, and watch them play sports and stuff. Staying close was such a priority because I played for two years farther away, and it was so nice to get back. Besides to me college hockey is the Gophers, I mean you cannot match what they offer," Johnson claimed.
No matter how this year ends up, no matter how much more time on the ice he sees, Johnson's four years at the University of Minnesota can be summed up as memorable. He knows this and is very grateful, but this is of no surprise because Johnson has developed something here, something he could probably write a book about. Justin Johnson has the right mindset.
story by Dominic Ladd, athletic communications graduate assistant It is difficult for any athlete to figure out its role on a team, be it a team's main scorer, a great passer, or a defensive specialist. What makes that task even more daunting is when an athlete has to play a role in which significant playing time is not a component. In hockey, one of those roles is the backup goalie. A lackluster role that holds a much higher regard by teammates and coaches than by fans and the media, but an essential one at that. The Golden Gophers are lucky enough to have a senior play that role.
That senior is Justin Johnson. The same Justin Johnson who came to the Maroon and Gold after an 18-3 stint with the Lincoln Stars in the USHL. The same Justin Johnson who won his three starts in limited action as a freshman. The same Justin Johnson who went 10-2-2 during the last NCAA championship run the Golden Gophers made. And the same Justin Johnson who in 13 appearances provided what the Golden Gophers needed while current goalie Kellen Briggs learned the ropes.
This season, Johnson's role is similar to last year, to provide depth and play that critical backup role, giving the Golden Gophers experience at the goalie position. Coach Don Lucia doesn't doubt that Johnson will fill that role as he always has. He stated, "Justin has proven himself after playing in some big games for us in the past few years. We're looking for him to give us about 10 games this season. I think he can play that backup role very well for us." Johnson who is described as a "solid, butterfly style" goaltender had dreams of competing for the starting job this season, but with the Gophers off to such a hot start and a number one ranking in the nation, it would be foolish to mess with the elements that have brought success. In his last year minding nets in Mariucci, Johnson has embraced his backup role and tried to find ways in which he can contribute to the team.
The psychology major commented that its more than a role, it's a mindset. "It's a mindset that everyone should have. It's just being a team-oriented guy. I just have to find a way to contribute in some way, in order to add to the team's success," stated Johnson. Johnson feels that he is able to adapt to a backup mindset better than others because it takes a certain mindset or mental toughness just to play goalie. When goals are scored, the casual fans blame the goalie; they may not see the terrible pass or bad defense that led to the goal. A goalie is always the hero in a win or the goat in a loss.
Johnson explained his theory of goaltending as, "It's a difficult position. You can have a lot of talent, and the best teachers, but it is the ones with the right mindset who are the best. If you can't handle criticism, and block stuff out, you better change positions." Johnson is able to embrace his role for different reasons. First of all, he loves playing hockey, and although he may not get in many games, this is still what he loves to do. Second he has been on two NCAA championship teams and knows that in order to accomplish a feat like that, every individual has to put the team first and give their all in whatever they do. Third, Johnson is a senior, he just wants to enjoy this last season and take it for what it's worth. He knows that he gets to do something only a few young hockey players get to do, be a Golden Gopher.
Even though Lucia originally saw Johnson playing about 10 games this season, Johnson has only participated in one. He still goes to practice and gives his all knowing his next opportunity is one injury or coaching decision away. With the toughest part of the Golden Gophers schedule out of the way for the 2004-05 season, opportunities may arise sooner than later. One of those opportunities may come in the Dodge Holiday Classic on December 22-23.
Johnson knows this and admits that it makes practice a little more fun, and adds to his week, when he can prepare knowing there is a better chance he'll play. "You'd like to think that every week is the same, but in reality it's not. When you know you'll get the start, you're a little more focused. Even off the ice there's a little more hop in your step," stated the senior.
It's been a long time since Johnson's first start back in 2001-02 versus Colgate, when he became the first Golden Gopher goalie since 1996-97 to record a shutout in his first career start. Throughout those four years, Johnson's career has endured many twists and turns and it seems like two different worlds when Johnson compares going through that first season to what he experiences now.
"It really is like two completely different versions of me. Back then I didn't know what to expect and was filled with excitement and nervousness. I thrived on that, and really didn't have to do much to get up for a game because everything was new and fresh. Now it is all about mind games, if I know I'm probably not going to start I have to find what's going to excite me. Lately I've been thinking, if you get out there, this will be one of the last games of competitive hockey I'll ever be a part of. It's that kind of mindset as opposed to basking in the new experience," explained Johnson like a true psychology student.
Johnson is excited for his next opportunity, but also pointed out that it is hard for a goalie to get thrown in there sparingly. "I'm very excited to get a start; it's something I'm always working for, but it can be difficult too. It's been a while since I was out there. When you are playing once a month it's different, I'm still not used to it, but you have to make the most of what you get," Johnson said.
Johnson added another shutout to his resume last season, and both of his career shutouts have come in the comfort of Mariucci Arena, so getting the start in the Dodge Holiday Classic could bring Golden Gopher fans some holiday joy. Johnson acknowledged his home success, but doesn't view it as something to hang his hat on.
He stated, "I think goalies should pride themselves on winning on the road in a hostile environment. Don't get me wrong, winning at home is great, especially for the fans, but the athlete and the competitor in me likes challenges. Besides the best players win on the road." Johnson provided yet another insightful analysis, from a man who spends his time off the ice reading about the theories of Pavlov and Freud.
As far as his own theories about where he'll end up after his last season, Johnson is only full of hypotheses. "I'm not quite sure what the future holds for me. Eventually I'd like to start my own business. I'm not quite ready for the nine to five deal yet, but I realize I have to learn the ropes somewhere. I'm pretty much open to anything," Johnson said. One thing that Johnson does know is that he is going to miss the entire experience he has had here at the U. He commented on the family type bonds that are made between teammates and that it is something you just don't get outside of sports. "I'm going to miss just hanging out with the guys, and the good times we have in the locker room. These guys are some of my best buddies, and you know you say you'll keep in contact, but the truth is, it will never be the same as it is for the four years you are here," Johnson stated.
No matter what Johnson decides to do, it would be surprising to see him stray too far from home. Growing up in Ham Lake, Minn., Johnson decided to attend the U not only because of its great tradition, but also because it's close to home. Family is very important to Johnson and he loves being able to see them on a regular basis.
"A big thing in my decision to come here was family. I wanted the chance to see my younger brothers and sisters grow up, and watch them play sports and stuff. Staying close was such a priority because I played for two years farther away, and it was so nice to get back. Besides to me college hockey is the Gophers, I mean you cannot match what they offer," Johnson claimed.
No matter how this year ends up, no matter how much more time on the ice he sees, Johnson's four years at the University of Minnesota can be summed up as memorable. He knows this and is very grateful, but this is of no surprise because Johnson has developed something here, something he could probably write a book about. Justin Johnson has the right mindset.
story by Dominic Ladd, athletic communications graduate assistant
