Player Rep Spotlight: John Lethemon (Toledo Walleye)

John Lethemon is the PHPA Player Representative for the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.  Lethemon, a Michigan native, played four seasons for Michigan State University before turning pro with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.  In 2022 he signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins and has since split time with their ECHL affiliate the Toledo Walleye.  During the 2022-23 season, Lethemon was named the ECHL’s Goaltender of the Year.

How did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

I volunteered to be Player Rep this year. This is now my fourth year in the league and wanted to be more hands on by helping guys on the team with anything they need. I also wanted to get a better inside view on what goes on within the PHPA and potentially see areas I could voice an opinion to help make current and future players’ playing experience better. As a Player Rep a few things I am responsible for are getting paperwork completed for any new players on the team and making sure everyone has the proper equipment they are entitled to (especially skates).

How old were you when you became a goaltender and what made you decide to try the position?

I officially became a full-time goalie my first year of Mite hockey, so about five or six years old, but during my mini mite days I was always the kid raising my hand to volunteer to play goalie. But why I decided to be a goalie I honestly have no clue. I just remember when I was young always being drawn to the position.  I would go to my older brothers’ practices/games and intently watch the goalies. My favorite player growing up was also Curtis Joseph, which is another thing I cannot explain since I am from the metro Detroit area, and he was playing for Toronto at the time.

Having grown up in Michigan, what was it like playing four seasons at Michigan State University?  Was this something that you were always aspiring to do?

Playing for Michigan State was for sure a huge deal for me. My Aunt got her undergrad and masters from Michigan State, so she was a big reason why I became a MSU fan at a young age. She would often tell me growing up that one day I would be the goalie for MSU so I guess it was kind of being manifested for me for a long time. It was also special to play there because it is only an hour from home so having my parents and family there to watch me play meant a lot. I also had a connection with the long-time assistant coach Tom Newton.  His brother Bill was my coach in high school, and he had a tremendous impact on my life/ hockey career as well as the whole family.

One of your MSU teammates was fellow PHPA Player Representative Tommy Apap.  How good of a leader was he and how did you enjoy playing with him?

Tommy is the man. We first met back in our high school fall league MDHL, so it was fun to be able to play with him in college. Tommy is a natural leader and someone that guys always gravitate to. He is an extremely high character person and comes from an amazing family. Anytime someone has asked me in recent years about Tommy I always say he is someone I would always want on my team. He is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met.

What was your Major / area of study while attending Michigan State University?

My degree in at MSU was in advertising management.

Following your final season with Michigan State, how did you end up signing your first professional contract?

Things were kind of crazy then with Covid happening, so I knew I needed to get on a team that was going to play that season.  Greenville called me and we had some great conversations. I went down there and had a great time and was able to sign a few AHL contracts with their affiliate in Ontario, CA and play two years with Greenville. Met a lot of awesome people there who helped me transition into pro hockey. I am grateful for the two years I spent there because I felt the people I had around me including coaches, staff, and teammates really helped me mature as a goalie and a person.

You first signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2022.  To what extent did the possibility of returning to Michigan influence your decision to sign with them?

I signed with Grand Rapids in July of 2022 and knew the situation with their ECHL affiliate being in Toledo. It was a great opportunity for me to get in with my hometown organization and be closer to family again.  At the end of the day, I am making decisions that I feel are best for my career and future, so I was fortunate that the opportunity was there, and it’s ended up being a great fit for me personally.

Last season you put up some remarkable numbers and won the ECHL’s Goaltender of the Year Award.  What do you think contributed to your outstanding season?  Did you make any specific changes to your game?

I was definitely a beneficiary of playing on a great team. Last year in Toledo was a special group. We had a lot of talented players that knew the type of mentality it takes to win. It was a special season for me but any individual success I had was owed to the guys in that room. In terms of my game, I can’t say I changed any specific thing.  I feel where I am today is an accumulation of the work I’ve been putting in over the years. I always try and have the mentality to get a little better each day and especially never waste any days at the rink.

You have split time between the ECHL and American Hockey League.  What’s the biggest difference between the two leagues from a goaltender’s perspective?

Everything is just up another level. Guys seem a little faster, a little stronger and a little smarter at that level. Everyday on the ice the intensity is high, so you always have to bring your best.

What does your pre-game routine look like, and do you have any rituals or superstitions?

I don’t have any rituals or superstitions, at least not any that I consciously think about. I do have a routine that helps me prepare mentally and physically before games. I do some visualization on the bench before I start warming up and then some stretching/mobility. I finish with some racquetball work to get my eyes and hands going.

It was noticed that you own a dog.  What is your dog’s name and what are some of your favourite activities you like to do together?

Yes, my girlfriend and I have a miniature dachshund named Auggie. We actually got him down in Greenville during my second season with the Swamp Rabbits. He is hilarious and thinks he’s a tough guy despite being about 14lbs… but he loves to play chase and tug of war.

Who is your favourite band / musical artist?  

That’s definitely a tough one for me. I’m a big classic Rock guy.  Last year I had a ton of 80’s bands on my mask and again this year I have some various rock bands as well. A few of my favorites would be Journey, Queen, and Scorpions but again its tough to narrow that list down.