Justin Johnson has experienced an incredible hockey journey, from his developmental years in Alaska to achieving his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.  Now, at the age of 34 and playing in his 10th season of professional hockey, Johnson’s well documented team-first attitude is helping nurture future Toronto Maple Leafs players both on and off the ice.  After signing a unique contract this past off-season, Johnson is relishing his mentorship role with a young Toronto Marlies squad, who have taken the AHL by storm with a 15-5-1 record, and who currently sit one point back of the Eastern Conference leaders.

Johnson holds his hometown of Anchorage, Alaska near to his heart.  After all, it’s only where he grew up playing minor hockey, attended University, and began his pro career. 

“A lot of really good players have come from Alaska and I was lucky to watch them play as I was growing up,” said Johnson.  “The college team was also really good and a lot of those players ended up staying in the area and becoming youth coaches.  To us kids, they were larger than life and helped springboard the careers of guys like Ty Conklin, Scott Gomez, and Barrett Heisten who was a 1^st round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres.  As I watched these guy play, I begged my Mom to sign me up for hockey.  As I progressed, I was very fortunate to find a perfect blend of people who gave me the opportunity to develop as a person and as a player.”

Although Johnson would venture outside of Alaska to pursue his Junior career, in 2002 he was accepted at the University of Alaska – Anchorage where he played four seasons with the Seawolves while majoring in Criminal Justice.  After leaving the program following his senior year tied as the all-time leader with 143 career games played, Johnson signed his first professional contract with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. 

“Coming home as a 21-year old, playing college hockey, and then to begin my pro career here in Anchorage; I can’t imagine it being any other way.  The experience of playing in front of the people who watched me grow up really meant something.  The Alaska Aces coaches had known me for a while, had watched me play at the college level, and signed me to my first pro contract as the team was about to go on a memorable Kelly Cup run.  That Championship team was arguably one of the best teams in ECHL history, and a lot of fun to be a part of.  I only played 4 games at the end of the season with the team, but to be around that environment, experience my first trip ever to places like Las Vegas and Atlanta, and play a part in that Championship was unbelievable.” 

Johnson began the next season back with the Aces, but would later sign with the Idaho Steelheads.  He would play the next four seasons in the ECHL (with Utah, Cincinnati, and back in Alaska) before transitioning to the American Hockey League with Manchester and Bridgeport. 

“A lot of my friends from back home, Scott Gomez, Joey Crabb, Nate Thompson, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Wallace, Matt Carle were world class players and I would train with them all summer.  I just wanted to do my best and see where my career could take me.” 

Johnson remembers getting his first recall to the AHL.

“I was 29 when I got my first call up to the AHL, and it was out of nowhere.  When I got to Manchester, I was treated so well by some great teammates, so it was an easy transition.  I loved hockey, was desperate to be a pro, and now that I was playing at a higher level I was anxious to see what would happen next.”

It was a combination of experiences Johnson had gained while playing hockey at an elite level that helped him realize the value and contributions he could make to the team.

“My coach in Alaska, Brent Thompson, wanted me to be a positive force on the bench, be a selfless player, play with energy, and do the little things to help pick up the team.  You can’t be asleep on the bench during a game, and this attitude and mindset helped me get established in the AHL.”

After 3 seasons with Manchester, an opportunity arose within the New York Islanders organization.  Johnson was assigned to their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport to begin the 2013-14 campaign, but late in the season was recalled to the Islanders where he made his long awaited NHL debut on April 11^th against the New Jersey Devils.

“There’s no underestimating what it feels like to play in your first NHL game, and I hope every player gets that chance. To be so dedicated for so long and for your boyhood dream to see the light of day after experiencing the ups and downs was absolutely incredible.  Anything I can do to help others achieve their dream and experience what I experienced, I’m just very fortunate and appreciative.” 

2 nights later against the Buffalo Sabres, the 5’11 Johnson made a name for himself when he landed a knockout punch during a fight against the mammoth 6’8, 260 pound John Scott.

WATCH: Justin Johnson vs John Scott

After a third time around with the Alaska Aces last season, Johnson signed with the Toronto Marlies, where he is back in the AHL and helping mentor a young Marlies team.

“Scott Pellerin (who was elevated to Toronto Maple Leafs Director of Player Development this past June) was my Coach in both Bridgeport and Manchester.  I knew him well and he was familiar with me and what I could bring to the table.  The Marlies already had leadership guys like Ryan Clune and Andrew Campbell, but (Head Coach) Sheldon Keefe was new to the team and looking for a certain type of player.  Someone to help the younger guys, set an example in the weight room, and be a positive presence to have around the team.”

Johnson and his agent, Jeff Helperl worked intently with Toronto Marlies General Manager, Kyle Dubas on a unique bonus structure to his standard player contract where Johnson benefits from the individual performance of his Marlies teammates.

“It was a combination of Kyle Dubas and my Agent, Jeff Helperl together.  Kyle is very creative and has a dynamic personality, and one of the many people who want to see the Leafs reach the top of the mountain, while Jeff worked really hard for a long time on my behalf, as he does with all of his players, to get this deal in place.  People from around the hockey community are noticing and I hope this type of arrangement is looked at as something positive.”

For example, Johnson receives a pre-determined amount for every Marlie teammate who reaches a certain goal or point target as a member of the Marlies, among other mentorship bonuses. 

“I think everything has worked out well so far.  It’s very clear what is expected of me; to be a good teammate, work hard, set a good example, and be a source of energy and information for the guys.”

Another leadership role Johnson has taken on this year is his involvement with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association as the Marlies’ Alternate Player Representative.

“T.J. Brennan is our PHPA Player Representative, but I’ll do whatever I can to help him out.  Honestly, the PHPA is unbelievable.  The benefits we get, how we are taken care of, I’m eager to make guys aware and know how good we’ve got it.  They make sure the players’ needs are being met and that we’re not getting taken advantage of.

If I can help educate my teammates on what their union does for them and show them the various programs available, it could really help them out.  I try to find extra ways to be a contributing member of the team.  The off-ice stuff is so critical to players these days.  The PHPA has such a hard working and dedicated staff and we are lucky to have them on our side.”

Johnson may be just one piece of the puzzle contributing to the overall success of the Toronto Marlies this season, but depending on the success he and his teammates have, his unique contract structure could be a sign of things to come for similar character players.

“The game is changing and teams have to find ways to be successful.  If me being here and doing what I am doing is going to help this team win, then I am all for it.”

Follow the author on Twitter @DarrylRDionne