Legendary manager-coach Mike Johnston could reach a major milestone tonight in Portland, Oregon, when his (Major Junior) Winterhawks host the Everett Silvertips.
Legendary manager-coach Mike Johnston could reach a major milestone tonight in Portland, Oregon, when his (Major Junior) Winterhawks host the Everett Silvertips.
Johnston, who has a Long Island connection, is only one victory away from securing his 500th win guiding the Winterhawks. No matter how you shake it, this will be a monumental milestone.
Former New York Islanders center Travis Green was tutored in the coaching realm by Johnston and currently is working the New Jersey Devils bench.
With tonight's game in mind, I had a couple of topics for Mike to address. To wit:
* THREE THINGS HE LEARNED ABOUT COACHING.
"I've always been driven to improve my coaching skill set, so I'm constantly evaluating what we're doing and how we're doing it; searching for areas to improve and give us the edge."
"Secondly, as I get older, I must stay current and gain an understanding of how to communicate and essentially coach today's teenagers.
"Finally, I learn from other sports and coaches outside of hockey. I'm a big football guy and have been to NFL and NCAA practices to see if there are crossover strategies to bring back to our program."
* THOUGHTS ON EX-PORTLAND GOALIE ADIN HILL WINNING THE STANLEY CUP:
"That was amazing. His dad phoned me right after and was so appreciative of the Portland staff who'd helped him along the way. Adin was never drafted to the WHL, but we invited him to our training camp when he was 15 and about 5-8. We were so impressed with his desire to stay on after practice to take shots and help out at camp that we listed him, and he became our property.
It wasn't until the year I left for Pittsburgh and Jamie Kompon became the head coach that Adin played full-time. I credit Jamie, Kyle, and our goalie coach Tyler Love for developing him."