highlightYour questions, their answers
From time to time this season, we will offer you a chance to ask a person in the hockey world a question. Last week, we asked you to e-mail questions for St. Louis Blues rookie defenseman Erik Johnson. You did.
Johnson will turn 20 in March. He was the first overall draft pick in the 2006 NHL draft. He will answer your e-mails now.
Question from Sean Leahy (North Babylon, N.Y.): Did you have a backyard rink growing up?
Answer from Johnson: Yes. My dad used to flood the back for me and my sister. I remember playing out there all the time. It was so much fun back there.
Erik Johnson
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Halo 3? Erik Johnson just doesn't get the hype.
Question from Paul Christensen: Who was your favorite NHL team growing up?
A: Since the North Stars moved when I was really young, I ended up cheering for the Vancouver Canucks. I loved Pavel Bure, so I cheered for them. But I also loved the Gophers seeing as there really was no other hockey team in Minnesota.
Question from Joe Volpe (Ithaca College): It's weird watching players younger than me now (21). What was your favorite TV show/cartoon growing up?
A: Growing up, I liked "Full House" with Bob Saget and Dave Coulier. I guess he is a big hockey fan, and in the show he always wore a lot of Red Wings stuff. Oh, and the Olsen twins, too.
Question from Ted Reiff: It's Ted Reiff from Holy Angels. Regular Biology; I'm sure (hope) you remember. Congratulations on your success. I'm proud of you (and a lot of teachers over there are, too). Here's the question: When did you feel your development as a hockey player really took off? Feel free to say that it was immediately after the DNA model project I assigned to you (we both know that it's true). Stay true and good luck.
A: Wow, Mr. Reiff! I'm not sure we are on speaking terms right now. You gave me a "C" in my sophomore-year biology class, even after that flawless DNA model that me and Mike Potts created! Still a little rattled about that. But I am glad you wrote in. I would really say my development gradually kept getting better over my four years of high school. Obviously, Coach Trebil and Coach Olson had a great deal to do with that at Holy Angels.
But when I went to Ann Arbor, that was a huge step for me. My conditioning level was phenomenal after my two years there strengthwise. I would say if it wasn't for me going to the National Team Development Program, I would not be where I am today. So, I have a great deal of respect for USA Hockey, especially my coach, John Hynes, for where they helped me get today.
Question from Chris Lund (Seattle): At what age did you not care what NHL team you played for as a pro? I think it would be hard to play for a rival team from your childhood favorite, even as an adult.
A: I never was really a die-hard NHL fan, so it didn't matter to me where I was going to play when I got drafted. I was happy to go wherever. But St. Louis has been a great fit for me so far. I love it here. I want to be a Blue forever.
Question from anonymous: Being a Native of Bloomington, Minn., I am curious why you chose Academy of Holy Angels over Bloomington Jefferson, two powerhouse hockey programs in Minnesota.
A: I went to private schools my whole life and my middle school was next door to Holy Angels, coupled with the fact Holy Angels had two of the best high school coaches in the state in Greg Trebil and Guy Olson, and it was a better hockey program in general. And for all the people who think Holy Angels recruit, they don't. Myself, Jay Barriball, Mike Carman, and Jeff Frazee all went there because it was a good academic institution and a great hockey program.
Question from Pete (Woodbury, Minn.): So far, how much faster is the NHL game than the college game was last year, and what other changes have you noticed? Also, what chances do you give the Gophers at winning the WCHA and possibly making a national championship run again this year?
A: It was a pretty big difference, especially since playing at Mariucci Arena, where the ice size is about as big as Lake Calhoun. So, in a way, it has been a lot easier defensively because forwards have less room to operate and it is much easier to shut down a play on the smaller ice than the big sheet.
But the players are so skilled at this level. I have learned you always have to be aware and communication is so important, as well. I think the Gophers are going to win the national championship this year. Frazee is going to be a rock for them in net; he is going to be the factor and I think he is going to have a monster year this season. They will have no trouble scoring goals. [Kyle] Okposo, Barriball, [Ryan] Stoa, [Blake] Wheeler and [Ben] Gordon will all have great years up front. The defense is inexperienced, but [Derek] Peltier is a quiet leader and a tremendous hockey player. [David] Fischer will have a good year and [Brian] Schack will be solid. They have some younger guys too, but they are all really skilled. I think they will be in the top three in the WCHA, but win when it matters most. Don't make me look bad boys!
Question from Joyce (Tampa, Fla.): What CD were you listening to today?
A: Hinder. Great CD.
Full House
ABC
Erik Johnson was a fan of 'Full House'. We're just in awe of all that hair.
Question from Jason (Columbia, Mo.): What is a typical morning like at Chopper's [Al MacInnis'] house? I envision a giant bowl of Cocoa Puffs, about three dozen eggs and some slap shots off the garage door.
A: Good one, Jason! It is awesome. His wife and kids are great, and Al is a great mentor to have. It is a great place to live. He loves his breakfast, so he's quick to get on me if I decide to sneak out of the house and not have his omelets. I don't think he uses his slap shot anymore because it is basically a weapon.
Question from Mike (North Vancouver): How have veterans like Paul Kariya and Jay McKee affected the locker room?
A: Paul Kariya is the definition of a professional hockey player. How he handles himself and how he prepares for the game is unbelievable. Not only is he a superstar, but he is also such a leader. Jay is a huge leader on our team, too. He has been battling injuries, but he still has such a good attitude about everything. On top of being a great defenseman, he is a better guy in the room. Since we have both been hurt, he has been a good guy to hang out with.
Question from Chris McDonnell: Being a rookie in the NHL, are there any habits you've picked up from other players? For example, eating routines before games or workouts?
A: A lot of guys do different things. Some guys change laces after so many periods. Others do breathing exercises with elastic bands. And some guys take down a lot of Red Bull.
Question from Shawn Lawson (Belle Plaine, Minn.): Chicken parm or a good homemade Minnesota Hot Dish?
A: The Parm at Paul Manno's in Chesterfield, Mo. Hands down. Unbelievable!
Question from Bill Dame (Edison, N.J.): Halo 3 or NHL 08?
A: All my buddies back home play Halo, headsets and everything. They are a joke. I hate it and I have never played NHL 08. I liked NHL 07.
Question from Cary Picardi (St. Louis): Thanks for signing my UM jersey at FanFest. Which is your favorite hockey movie: "Slap Shot," "Youngblood," "Miracle" or none of the above?
A: You're welcome. "Miracle." It is one of the most inspirational movies I have ever watched. It brings me back to my roots.
Question from Jay (Tampa, Fla.): What is it like having John Davidson as the president of hockey operations of your team? Do you hear a lot of "Oh, baby!" when he comes to watch practice?
A: Blues hockey would not be where it is right now if it wasn't for the new ownership and John Davidson. He brought life back in St. Louis for the sport of hockey. He is such a good man and cares about us players. He is not in it for himself; he bleeds blue. I remember I had a highlight video called "NHL Ice Hot '96." He was the host. I probably watched that video 100 times. So, I was very familiar with him already.
Question from Trevor Silverstein (N.J.): If you had to choose between being on the penalty kill or the power play, which would you choose?
A: Well, I used to play power play and PK, so I know both situations. I like the PP better because I like having the puck on my stick and making plays. But penalty killers don't get enough credit because of the lack of glory, but it is so important. So, power play for me.
Question from Jake (St. Louis): Congrats on goal No. 1. Can you describe your thoughts once you knew it went in? Do you have the puck? I thought I saw a Kings player shoot it into the stands.
A: Thank you. I don't really know what my thoughts were. I was so pumped because you dream of it your whole life, and then it happens, and you don't know what to do. It was special to me having Doug Weight and Paul Kariya assist on it. Dougie made such a good pass to me and Pauly worked his ass off down low to get it to him. Yeah, Rob Blake shot it against the boards, but [Keith] Tkachuk went over and got it for me. It was the experience of a lifetime.
Question from Tony D. (Pasadena, Calif.): What do you think of the hot new hockey book in the stores right now? You know, the one soon to be on the best-seller list? "Jonesy"!
A: I haven't heard of it. I will have to check it out.
THE COLUMNIST WILL NOW TAKE A KOHO FROM 1983 AND SMACK ERIK JOHNSON ACROSS THE SHINS.
Question from anonymous: Being a Native of Bloomington, Minn., I am curious why you chose Academy of Holy Angels over Bloomington Jefferson, two powerhouse hockey programs in Minnesota.
A: I went to private schools my whole life and my middle school was next door to Holy Angels, coupled with the fact Holy Angels had two of the best high school coaches in the state in Greg Trebil and Guy Olson, and it was a better hockey program in general. And for all the people who think Holy Angels recruit, they don't. Myself, Jay Barriball, Mike Carman, and Jeff Frazee all went there because it was a good academic institution and a great hockey program.
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