Bridgeport Sound Tigers‘ right wing Justin Johson(49) 8-year minor league journeyman’s career finally got some vindication as he scored a two-way NHL contract with parent club New York Islanders for the remainder of the 2013/2014 season.
He may not play any big league games but can now be easily recalled to help protect some of their skilled, younger prospects as they look to be spoilers.
After four years of college hockey at University Of Alaska, his hometown school of higher education, he went undrafted and signed a deal with the local club, Alaska Aces but was cut only 4 games into his rookie season.
He would tour the ECHL suiting up for 3 other teams before circling back to play another campaign with the Aces.
The somewhat stocky looking 6’1″ 220 lbs. has never been one to produce on the score sheet much but NEVER backs down from mixing it up with the opposing team’s biggest bruiser.
He would get a recall from Manchester Monarchs at the beginning of 2010/2011, signing a pto and stayed with them for the duration.
Heading into the next session he scored himself a 2-year extension to stay in New Hampshire.
The 32-year old would finally move on when he had interest from Bridgeport to sign for a season and become the enforcer for their young squad. He was even invited to join the Islanders‘ training camp and play in exhibition games.
Regardless of where he goes next, a stick-to-it attitude and perseverance pays off.
