Elkhorn’s Johnson caps career with Oil Caps
Parker Johnson is pleased to be able to cap his junior hockey career close to home.
Over parts of four seasons, the 20-year-old from Elkhorn had played for three Manitoba Junior Hockey League teams. A deal early on this season brought the son of Jamie and Tammy Johnson to the Virden Oil Capitals.
“I have enjoyed being able to play in front of family and also knowing a few hockey players from around my area playing on the Caps brings back some old friendships,” said the former Yellowhead Chiefs U18 AAA player.
The Oil Caps were happy to add the talented veteran. Through 42 games for Virden this season, the 6-foot, 170-pound Johnson had seven goals and 15 points.
“Parker does a lot of things well,” Oil Capitals head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “He is very skilled and has the ability to provide offence for our group. He is a veteran guy that has been in the league a long time and understands what it takes to win at this level. His experiences and calm demeanour are valuable to our younger guys. Parker plays hard and we are happy to have him finish his junior career here with us.”
After his junior days are over, Johnson hopes to study carpentry at Brandon’s Assiniboine Community College. He will head to post-secondary studies with a lot of great memories.
“I’ll remember all of my friends I’ve made over the years,” Johnson said. “I’m still in touch with a couple guys that were on my team in Swan Valley (where he started his MJHL career).”
He split the 2017-2018 hockey season between the Swan River-based Stampeders and the U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs. The next season he was with the Chiefs before playing 2019-2020 for Swan Valley. Last season Johnson suited up for the Stamps and the Portage Terriers before the campaign was cancelled. He started this season with the OCN Blizzard before being swapped to Virden. Over his career, Johnson had the opportunity to play for a variety of coaches.
“Every coach teaches differently, having so many different mentors helped me specialize in different parts of my game, helping worth ethic from creativity,” he said.
Johnson appreciates everything his family has done for him over his years of playing hockey.
“Funding and supporting me throughout my entire hockey career are things that I will appreciate for a lifetime,” he said.
