Kent Johnson broke into the BCHL as 15-year-old last season with the Trail Smoke Eaters and it was clear from the start that, despite his age, he was prepared to compete in the league.
One advantage he had over most players is he had someone close to him to rely on for advice. Someone who had first-hand experience in the BCHL.
His older brother Kyle played three seasons in the league for the Prince George Spruce Kings and is now in his sophomore season at Yale University. Kyle was able to lend some advice and teach Kent a thing or two ahead of his rookie season.
“He helped me so much,” said Kent. “He told me what to expect as far as what the transition to the league would be like and really helped me out that summer. He had a lot of good advice about how to act like a pro.”
On top of the advice from his brother, Johnson, like most other young hockey players, has also leaned on his parents for support over the years.
“My dad used to coach me when I was younger,” said Johnson. “My mom and him just helped me get everywhere and gave me all these great opportunities. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Johnson grew up in Port Moody, B.C. and played his early minor hockey there. He remembers that period as a time where he was able to mix learning the game of hockey, while getting to spend time with childhood friends.
“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I got to play with my buddies from school there. I was lucky enough that we had a good team. There are actually a few guys that are in the league from that team. It was a lot of fun.”
In 2017-18, Johnson joined the Burnaby Winter Club where he tied for the team lead in scoring with 75 points. He credits his head coach there Maco Balkovec as having the biggest influence on him in his early years.
“I was lucky to have some really good coaches,” said Johnson. “But [Balkovec] definitely had a huge impact. It was an awesome experience there. We had a great group of guys and the coaching was unreal. I really just loved playing at that academy.”
In his rookie season in the BCHL, Johnson managed 46 points in 57 games and ended up getting the nod for the All-Rookie team, while being one of the youngest players in the league.
This season has been even better for the soon-to-be 17-year-old. Johnson currently leads the BCHL with 26 points in 14 games and his team, after losing their first six games, has now won eight straight to sit in third place in the Interior Division.
Next season, Johnson is committed to the University of Michigan and beyond that, he’s expected to be a high pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
He admits that the draft is on his radar, but his focus this year remains on the Smoke Eaters and leading them to success.
“I’d say I don’t focus on it so much during the season,” he said. “It’s definitely a goal of mine, but right now I’m just focused on the team and helping them win every night. In the summer that’s definitely on my mind.”
