Luke Johnson Named USHL Defenseman of the Week
October 29, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux City Musketeers News Release
SIOUX CITY,IA - Another week of USHL action has come and gone, and once again a Musketeer finds himself as one of the players of the week. This week the honor went to Musketeer Captain Luke Johnson who was named the USHL's Defenseman of the week.
It was a stellar week for the 2nd year defenseman who recorded one goal and five assists, four in Friday night's victory over Sioux Falls, to go along with a +4 rating. While Johnson's play this past week was obviously excellent, it shouldn't come as a surprise. The Providence College commit has quietly put together the best season so far of any USHL defenseman. Through ten games this season Johnson has two goals and nine assists for a total of 11 points, the top point total among any USHL Defenseman. Johnson also possesses the second best +/- among defenseman, comfortably sitting at a +7. Perhaps the most impressive stat about Johnson's season so far is that he has already surpassed his goal and point total from last season, which was eight total points.
Associate Head Coach Mark Abalan had nothing but praise for his defenseman, highlighting his attention to detail and abilities to keep things simple as the main reasons Johnson has been so successful early this season, " He plays the game the right way, it's that simple. He buys into the team concept. He's not flashy, but not flashy in a good way. He doesn't try to play outside of himself; he's just a simple strong-minded very smart defenseman. He's going to play the game for a long time because of his details. I've seen a lot of young defensemen, and his details are as good as someone like Neal Pionk when he was here, which I think is speaking pretty highly of him (Johnson) because obviously, Neal is playing in the National Hockey League now."
Abalan also affirmed the choice made by the team to make Johnson this year's captain, citing his leadership ability and ability to communicate as additional factors to the D-man's success " His leadership is noticeable in every way, shape, and form. Off the ice, on the ice, on the bench, with his D partner, he makes the game easier for his teammates which makes it easier for himself and he gets rewarded with points because of that."
Johnson echoed Coach Abalan's sentiment when asked about why he has played so strong this season "I have really good teammates here, and that makes it easy. When you have so many talented guys on a team like we do this year, it makes my job as a leader and defenseman that much easier. All the credit goes to my teammates."
With statements like that it's not hard to see why Johnson has found success this year, and why he was the right man to lead this team.
You can see Johnson and the Musketeers back in action tomorrow night against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Don't forget puck drop is set for 6:35 pm.
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United States Hockey League Stories from October 29, 2018
- Waterloo Black Hawks Weekly Preview - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Isaiah Saville Named USHL Goaltender of the Week - Tri-City Storm
- Luke Johnson Named USHL Defenseman of the Week - Sioux City Musketeers
- USHL Names Players of the Week for Week 5 - USHL
- Flying Aces Host Salute to Service Night November 10 - Central Illinois Flying Aces
- Gamblers Get a Point in Des Moines, Fall in Bloomington - Green Bay Gamblers
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