Erik Johnson American hockey player Date of Birth: 21.03.1988 Country: USA

1. Biography of Erik Johnson
2. Early Years
3. Junior Career
4. NHL Career
5. Current Status

Biography of Erik Johnson

Erik Johnson was born in 1988 in Bloomington, Minnesota, to Peggy and Bruce Johnson. From a young age, Erik developed a passion for hockey and quickly excelled in the sport. Combining his love for hockey with his natural talent, Erik's career on the ice has been highly successful.

Early Years

At the age of four, Erik picked up his first hockey stick and by six, he was already playing for a local hockey team. Initially playing as a goalie, Erik soon discovered his true calling as a defenseman and quickly adapted his skills. As a teenager, he played for the Bloomington Athletic Association and The Jefferson Hockey Association, where he made a name for himself as a promising young hockey player.

Junior Career

As Erik reached the appropriate age, he joined the local Pee Wee team and eventually went on to win the Minnesota State Championships. His exceptional skills as an attacking defenseman shone brightly in youth hockey, and in 2005, he received an invitation to play for the U.S. National Under-18 team. Erik made significant contributions to the team's victory in the World Championships held in the Czech Republic.

NHL Career

In 2006, Erik's dream of joining the NHL came true when he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues. His rookie season proved to be highly successful, showcasing his immense potential. However, the following season in 2008 was marred by a severe knee injury. During a ride in a golf cart, Erik attempted to stop the vehicle, causing his right leg to get stuck between the gas and brake pedals. Medical examinations revealed that he had torn two knee ligaments, resulting in surgery and a lengthy recovery period of more than three months.

Current Status

Erik's forced hiatus and the nature of his injury presented significant challenges. However, he eagerly awaited the day when he could return to the ice. With high expectations from coaches and teammates alike, Erik Johnson is considered a player with immense potential. The general manager of the St. Louis Blues, Larry Pleau, believes that Erik will soon be recognized as one of the league's top defensemen. As of now, Erik's name has been included in the roster of the U.S. national team for the pre-Olympic training camp held in Woodridge in August 2009, a crucial step in preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.