Delta's Tom Johnson Gets Offer

One ponders how players decide what sport to take up when they are able to compete, but for Captain Tom it was simple.

Simply meaning he got his first taste from his Grandfather. “Years back Grandpa played and from what I am told he was great” states Tom. Not to mention Tom’s Father played in the WLA for a while, so it comes naturally.

Tom mentions to be a success one must continue to stay focused, be alert and keep mistakes to a minimal. Coaches like hearing that, but it’s getting players to buy into the program that count, something that seldom works.

Tom enters this season with the Islanders and had high expectations of what the team might finish, but relished on making the playoffs.

Tom played on the number one line for the Islanders and continued to get himself within scoring placement on the floor should the situation arise. Need less to say it arose on several occasions all for the betterment of the game and the team.

Tom proved to be a fan favourite and proved he was worthy of being a team leader. Players on other teams loved to hate him as an opponent, but would cherish the chance for him to play with their squad.

He was an “in your face” player with a passion to succeed both on and off the floor.

He had expectation of possibly playing for SFU, which met two situations he didn’t mind. First it was close to home and second he had a passion for playing at SFU. Sort of like “local kid does well”, it’s sort of becoming.

Watching Tom was like watching Houdini, spin magic. You never really knew how he did it, but it worked! He had the ability to “thread the needle” when he was called upon and give him an opening, it’s a sure fire goal.

As the season was winding down Tom received a call from Jim Canil who told him he was being watched and being sought after for a possible scholarship in the US.

When asked Tom told me “it came right out of the blue and was really unexpected by me or my parents”. After an initial call by a scout followed by a meeting and paperwork Tom told the scout “he’d think about it”. His reply was “don’t take too long”.

The end result sees Tom being accepted to a 4 year Scholarship in Kentucky, terms not disclosed and understandable.

He will be playing Division One and traveling across the entire US playing all the Big Schools.

In addition to Tom playing for the Islanders he also officiates in Delta and surrounding area. Nice to see young players give back to the area, but clearly does not happen enough.

He explained there is extra pressure put on him as he is the Captain and dealing with the officials is something he understands. “It’s all about how a player approaches you” states Tom. “Come at me to argument and you won’t get time of day” he continues.

He mentions the officials were told (not asked) to tighten up on the chin strap rule in addition to the line change rule or too Many Men – er – persons to be politically correct!

He states players don’t like the call, but it’s out of his hands so expect a penalty for either call. It’s all about safety of the players and that’s not a bad thing, especially if you are a parent!

Players that allow the chin strap to hang down like a Bertuzzi style has no place in today’s game. The helmet comes up and if a player fall its concussion time for the player and worry time for the parent/team personal.

For the rule of Too Many Men, players jump all the time to get the advantage and if officials don’t watch teams/players will continue to do it. It’s only normal for any team to try everything to get the edge.

Tom and the Islanders finished the season losing to Port Coquitlam in the last game, something that never sat right with Captain Tom. He wears his heart on his shoulder and takes the blame personally.

He pondered the question of “what could I have done different”, but he’ll never know.

Tom is a young man with exceptional skills, not to mention his personality. I know he will excel is everything he sets his sight’s on.

If I have one wish it’s that when Tom finishes his playing career he turns his attention to Coaching. He has a wealth of knowledge and it would be a shame to be wasted.

On behalf of the Delta Islanders organization, Delta Cable Sportswave and myself I wish Tom all the best in everything he does.

Enjoy your time in Kentucky, but don’t forget about Delta.