It stands to reason there are plenty of hockey teams kicking
themselves right now for not knocking on the door of Kal Tire
Sudbury Junior Wolves defenceman Jacob Johnston.
The skilled 18-year-old has blossomed in his first year with
the Junior Wolves and has developed into a big time player with
seemingly unlimited potential.
During his OHL draft year, Johnston played AA hockey and was
undersized. Every OHL team passed on him. Last season, Johnston
was a rock for the AAA Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves in the
Great North Midget League. He picked up 26 points in 26 games
and enjoyed a solid play off run with nine points in nine
games. After his midget campaign, Johnston joined the Junior
Wolves and helped the team win the NOJHL championship and go to
the final of the Dudley Hewitt Cup.
Again, Johnston found no takers for his services despite the
fact the game had shifted focus on promoting skilled players
with new rules.
Over this time, Johnston also grew, adding height and weight to
make himself into a well-rounded player.
Now five-foot-11 and a sturdy 180-pounds, Johnston is having a
monster season with Sudbury and he hopes it will launch him
into a successful NCAA hockey career.
In 23 games, Johnston has two goals and 23 points, but more
importantly to him, Sudbury is winning, and winning a lot. The
Junior Wolves have a record of 16-6-0-2, making them the team
to beat in the NOJHL.
"I'm pleased with the way I have been playing and the way the
team is playing," said the Lo-Ellen Park graduate.
"Playing with Sudbury at the end of last season made my
transition to the league easier. The experience gave me the
confidence going into tryouts."
Johnston isn't bitter about not getting a chance at the OHL
level.
"I have no regrets," said the 18-year-old. "I was really small
in my draft year...then I grew and got bigger and stronger. The
only opportunity I would have had with the OHL was this year,
but I had already made up my mind to pursue other
interests."
Those other interests were following in the footsteps of his
two older sisters, Katie and Sarah, who both play NCAA Division
I hockey at Harvard and Cornell respectively.
"I'm going to Cornell next year," said Johnston. "I would
rather play university hockey and get a great education at the
same time. That's what is important to me...it's worked for my
sisters."
Johnston is a key ingredient in the Sudbury pie.
"Jacob is an all-around player," said head coach Tom Faganely.
"He handles and passes the puck well, he has a great attitude,
is always smiling, and he has good defensive ability."
Johnston feels he can add plenty to the Cornell lineup.
"It's a fast-paced game and I'm a quick, offensive defenceman,"
said the defender. "I bring a lot of offence to the table and
I'm also solid defensively. I will be ready to play at that
level."
Johnston plans to study business.
Fans can catch Johnston and the Junior Wolves in action tonight
when they host Manitoulin at the McClelland Arena in Copper
Cliff. Game time is 7:30 pm.
