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BP2011
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
531 Posts |
 Posted - 02/20/2009 : 10:55:37 AM
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| I really enjoyed having JJ right in the middle of this mornings sports section great article and the clones deserve more coverage like this theyve both EARNED IT and DESERVE IT |
08, 10 Kelly Cup Champions
08, 10, 14 American Conference Champions
08, 09, 13 North Division Champions
08 Brabham Cup Champions |
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ChazyG
(The Next Level!)
USA
377 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2009 : 11:17:46 AM
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http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090220/SPT/902200398/1062
When Justin Johnson is faced with a problem at work, it gets solved with violence. That's what he's paid for. As enforcer for the Cincinnati Cyclones, Johnson's job is to mete out retribution to opponents for any slights or rough handling of his teammates. It's a role he relishes.
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"I try and let everybody know that there's nobody out here on the ice more willing to fight than I am," Johnson said. "I like to do it. It helps me settle down. If we need to go to the net hard to get a goal, I want my teammates to be able to do that without having to think about getting crushed. I want them to know if that does happen, I'm going to come over to the boards and get after someone.
"The other team is aware that if they come at our team a little too hard, there could be a fight. If you don't want there to be a fight, play the game a little more straight up and back off."
The Cyclones, currently second in the ECHL American North Division, begin a six-game homestand tonight against Dayton.
Johnson was acquired by Cincinnati as a free agent in December after playing in 16 games with Utah, where he had a goal and 51 penalty minutes. Since joining the Cyclones, Johnson has had 17 fights and earned
every one of his 131 penalty minutesthe hard way. He is currently second in the ECHL for penalty minutes (182) and third for major penalties (22).
He's more than just the team's chief head-thumper, though. Coach Chuck Weber has given Johnson more of an opportunity to score than he had on previous teams, and it's paid off. Cincinnati is 11-1-1 when Johnson has a point. Johnson has netted nine goals and nine assists with the Cyclones, including the game-winning goal in last Friday's 3-2 win over Florida.
"I've always been a big believer of having your tough guy be able to play," Weber said.
"The fans here in Cincinnati have always been kind of asking for this one true mean heavyweight guy that just comes out and beats people up, but I don't think you win hockey games with that type of player in your lineup. From that standpoint it's good to be able to get a player like J.J. He can play and bring the physical element. A guy who can play as well as be physical is an asset to me as far as winning championships. He's been a really solid pick-up for us."
Goals and assists help earn Johnson respect as a complete player. They remind other teams that he can hurt them with more than his fists.
"You don't want to be known as a guy that all he can do is fight," Johnson said. "I want to show people that I'm a unique player, whether it's playing every line, earning a regular shift, or scoring a goal and then being able to go out there and fight the other team's toughest guy. I would point to that as being unique. You want the respect as a player. You don't want to be thought of as just a goon."
Ultimately, Johnson's not on the ice because he can score goals. He's there for his ability to police the game.
"There has to be respect," he said. "There is an unwritten and quiet respect thing and when it's broken there most likely is going to be a fight. There needs to be a fight or else the other team is going to keep taking liberties or taking advantage of your skill guys.
"I'd like to think that people respect that part of the game because not everyone wants to do that. Who wants to put themselves in harm's way and maybe get their nose broken, or their eye cut up, or their teeth knocked out, or their jaw broken? I think for the most part, when you go out to do that it's kind of endearing yourself to your teammates, your fans and your coach, because it shows you are willing to pay the ultimate price for your team."
When the price paid shifts momentum to the Cyclones, Johnson sits vindicated in the penalty box.
"You feel like you directly controlled which way the game was going by going out there and getting into that fight," he said. "So that's a good feeling. That's almost the best feeling, because I want to be respected, and the best way to get respect is to go out and get in a fight. A lot of guys score goals, but not many want to fight. It's something that I'll obviously be remembered for and I take a lot of pride in that."
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<<Section 102 RowG>>
http://www.CyclonesFanclub.org
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XcloneiacX
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
869 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2009 : 2:44:50 PM
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| Not going to lie, I freaking loved the Article. It didn't even mention the #85, so I'm thankful of that haha. |
CYCLONES HOCKEY! |
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