Australia Proved Lucky for Mike Johnston’s Hockey Coaching Career
Follow Us
One of the famed coaches, Mike Johnston, has a great story about Australia. Mike’s then coach suggested he seek out other opportunities during his playing days. Although Mike wanted to go to Austria or Switzerland, destiny planned something else. Later on, Mike spent around 10 years in Australia as a coach.
Not only coaching, Johnston also had a successful playing career in Australia. Now the 66-year-old former NHL player is the manager of Portland of the Western Hockey League. That’s how a successful coaching career began in Australia.
A miscommunication led to everything
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Mike’s story revolves around a miscommunication. He looked for a team in Austria and somehow landed in Australia. While speaking to nhl.com, Mike said-
“The lady came back on the phone, and she said, ‘OK, here’s the address,'” Johnston said. “And it was Australia.
Trending
Shedeur Sanders Becomes the “Laughing Stock” of College Football as He Ignores NFL Legend’s Advice to Target Gavin Kuld
May 18, 2024 02:10 PM EDT
Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era
May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT
Dana White & UFC Miss Out on $1.38 Billion Worth Achievement as Conor McGregor Awfully Falls Short of 3-Year-Old Feat
May 18, 2024 01:21 PM EDT
“All of Them Are Lazy” – Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds After Joe Rogan and Royce Gracie Praise the Dagestani Camp
May 18, 2024 09:34 AM EDT
$35 Million Worth Drew Bledsoe Breaks Silence on How Much Netflix Paid Him for Tom Brady Roast
May 16, 2024 07:46 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“And I said, ‘Australia? I wanted Austria.’ And she said, ‘Well, I’ve got Australia. You can take it. Maybe send a note to them.’ Then she gave me Austria too.
“I sent a note to some of the Australian teams just on a whim.”
All these led to Mike’s career as a coach in Australia. He went onto become the coach of Pittsburgh Penguins (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). After that, he had a stint as an assistant coach with Vancouver Canucks (1999-2004) and Los Angeles Kings (2005-2008). Australia always had a rich history of quality NHL Players. Johnston also liked his stay in Australia as well. He said-
“Australia is a fabulous country,” Johnston said. “It’s just so unique and different from any other place you could go to. And I know it’s a long way and it’s huge travel, but I would think it’s a lifetime experience going down there.
“And for the Australian fans, to see hockey played at the highest level, I think it’s great for the game. I really do.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I always thought it would catch on in Australia.”
Mike Johnston – A living legend and a world class coach
Mike Johnston is a living legend and a fantastic coach. His understanding of the game has helped him in his coaching days. Johnston’s contribution in making NHL a prime sport in Australia is huge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
People played hockey in the early 1900s but NHL became popular with the effort of few people. Mike had the vision and the plan to make NHL popular in Australia. Hopefully, he continues to do the wonderful job and keeps on producing wonderful players.
Watch this story: 26-year-old Professional Cyclist Jonas Vingegaard Responds to Fan Questioning His Team Spirit.
Edited by:
Priyadarshini Ajay