Throughout the year we will be catching up with former players and coaches who were formerly affiliated with Alaska Hockey. Many Nanooks are still involved in the sport all around the globe and are continuing to follow their dreams.
In our second installment, we feature former goaltender Chad Johnson, who played for the Nanooks from 2005-09.
In his four years in Fairbanks, Johnson appeared in 79 games, donning the No. 30 jersey between the pipes. As a senior, the Hobey Baker Award finalist was named CCHA Player and Goalie of the Year after winning 14 games for the Nanooks. He helped them advance to the CCHA semifinals in Detroit and was the program's first-ever participant at the Frozen Four Skills Challenge.
Over the last four years, Johnson has spent time playing in both the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League. In his first year as a professional he won 24 games in AHL's Hartford and appeared in five games for the New York Rangers (NHL).
After three seasons in the Rangers system, he spent last year in the Phoenix Coyotes organizations. He won 16 games for Portland of the AHL and shined in the NHL with the Coyotes, going 2-0-2 in five games played with a 1.21 goals against average.
During the offseason, Johnson was acquired by the Boston Bruins where he will battle for the No. 2 netminding position behind starter Tuukka Rask, who helped the B's reach the Stanley Cup Final during the summer.
Now, let's take a look at what Johnson had to say about his past career at Alaska and his career going forward.
Q: Talk about your experience with the Alaska hockey program and how it prepared you for where you are now.
A: My experience with the Alaska Hockey program has greatly prepared me for where I am now. Over four years as a Nanook player I grew in regards to hockey, school and my personal life. The people I have met and the events I experienced while being a student athlete have played a role in shaping who I am.
The hockey program taught me how to be a professional on and off the ice; it instilled discipline and work ethic. Representing a hockey program, athletic department and a school developed accountability and professionalism. Having great people a part of the hockey program (such as Dallas Ferguson, Mike Curtin and Dr. Cary Keller) exemplified great role models, which I needed to develop into the person I am today. I continue to use my experiences as an athlete I had in Alaska to help me move forward in my life today as a hockey player.
Q: What was your favorite moment while in Fairbanks and a part of the program?
A: My favorite moment was in my last game during my senior year at the Carlson Center. It was the third and deciding game of the playoffs. The score was 0-0 against the Ohio State Buckeyes with under one minute to go in regulation. Ron Meyers from deep in the corner banked in a shot which ended up being the game winner. That goal moved us on to the next round and the conference final held at the Joe Louis Arena.
Q: What do you miss most about playing here?
A: What I miss the most is the camaraderie between everyone, from players to fans, over the four years I spent in Alaska. I met so many great people and had many great experiences being a part of the Nanook hockey program.
Q: What does being a Nanook mean to you?
A: Being a Nanook means being someone who does the right thing. To be a good person, a good student, and a good athlete. To me, being a Nanook meant representing myself and the school very well. It was a privilege and one I feel fortunate to have been part of.
Q: How much of a role did your experience with the Alaska Nanooks play into you following your career path?
A: The Alaska Nanooks hockey program played a huge role in my career path. From Mike Curtin in the weight room improving my strength and Dallas Ferguson developing my hockey skills I was able to progress as an athlete. My time with the Nanooks allowed me to develop my skills as a goalie, allowing me to have success at a professional level. I am very grateful to everyone a part of the Alaska Nanooks hockey program.
Q: Talk about what you do now professionally. What are the perks of doing what you do and what it means to you that you've made a career in hockey?
A: Currently, I am a goalie for the Boston Bruins. One thing I appreciate the most, having done a lot of traveling with the Nanook hockey team, is having a team plane with big seats. Another perk is being able to wake up every morning knowing I get to play hockey and compete against some of the best hockey players. Being able to make a career in hockey means the world to me. In my opinion hockey is the most unique sport and an amazing game to play. I always dreamed of playing in the NHL and I cherish every moment that I am.
Q: How often are you able to watch/keep up with the program?
A: Unfortunately, I don't get to watch the Nanooks play. I check the scores and news on either the team website or Twitter.
Q: The Nanooks are beginning a new era in the WCHA this season. What do you see as the advantages of them joining a new conference with the teams they'll face on a nightly basis? How does Alaska match up with some of the new competitors in your opinion?
A: I think the Nanooks advantage is that they will be one of the stronger teams in the WCHA. I think having the Seawolves in the same conference will make for some great hockey and a lot of wins for the Nanooks. With many teams moving conferences I think there will be a newfound excitement on the side of both the players and the fans. I hope the Nanooks will acquire more well-deserved recognition and respect.
Q: What message would you like to send to the Alaska Nanooks fans?
A: I appreciate all the fans that supported me as a student-athlete. You were instrumental in making my experience in Alaska one that I will never forget. Alaska will always be a part of me and I will always be a Nanook.
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