Matthew Johnston '22 Recruiting Profile

In recognizing that I am strong academically, it is my goal to complete an undergraduate degree that places me in a good standing to enter a medical or dentistry program. I have been playing hockey since I was 4, but it has not resulted in a singular focus to my development as a well rounded and successful individual.  

I have maintained excellent marks in school throughout my hockey career - graduating high school with a double dogwood (Science Emphasis) with what we believe is a 3.83 gpa.  The double dogwood denotes that this was done in French Immersion to ensure I learned a second language.  If they still provided such accolades, I would have been on the honour roll but these accomplishment milestones were discontinued for inclusivity purposes.  However, I did receive the Okanagan Knights Scholastic Player of the Year Award.

While accomplishing this high academic standard and playing hockey, I was also committed to the martial arts and have received my black belt in Taekwondo and having won multiple competition goal medals - the highest being a gold in sparring and a silver in patterns (for my age and weight class) at the North American and Caribbean International Taekwondo Championships.  To round out my athletic development I also trained for and received my national certification as a lifeguard.  

As a hockey player my strengths are team play, speed and agility on the ice, excellent passing skills combined with a superior ability to see the ice.  As numerous coaches have said, I have the ability to make anyone I play with a better hockey player.  I am also known for my ability to maintain control even in the most challenging of circumstances (due to my martial arts training). Combining this with a thorough knowledge of the rules I have taken few penalties in my career - limiting the times I have ever placed my team at a disadvantage. This has led me to be recognized at the league level, winning the KIJHL Most Sportsmanlike player for an unprecedented 2 years in a row and in the second year being in the top 20 in points in a league of over 400 players.

In other words, if you choose to offer me a position on your team, you will be getting a very skilled hockey player and well rounded individual that will be an asset to your team!