2022-05-14, 09:05 AM - Word count:
There was a pretty big surprise in the sporting world today, as longtime Simulation Hockey League defenseman Gabe Johnson announced that following the end of his hockey career, he would dedicate his last sporting years to playing soccer. Soccer has always been a secondary passion of his, and he is looking forward to having a professional career in the sport now following his SHL career. He will be playing as a full back, primarily on the right, but with the ability to play on the left too.
Like how he was an offensive defenseman in the SHL, Johnson is hoping to be a full back who can make forward runs, find space, and deliver crosses into dangerous positions in the box. On defense he is responsible, and likes to try and stick close to the opposition player he is marking to give them a hard time for the full 90 minutes. Going forward, he likes to play one twos out wide to try and get space for forward runs.
We asked Johnson how he feels about this transition into the world of soccer:
"It's a very exciting time for me. I always enjoyed watching and playing soccer even as an SHL player, so getting this opportunity to hit the field in a big league like the SSL is awesome and I just can't wait to get started."
We also asked Johnson about his goals coming into this league and what he expects out of the draft and his career:
"Honestly I don't have much in the way of expectations for myself. I'm someone who has always prided myself on my fitness level so I just aim to not be out of my depth in the league and keep up with all these younger players. As for the draft, I'm just going in with an open mind and am ready to start my career with anyone who takes me."
It will be fascinating to see how things go with Johnson, we will monitor his new career with great interest.
(338 words)
Like how he was an offensive defenseman in the SHL, Johnson is hoping to be a full back who can make forward runs, find space, and deliver crosses into dangerous positions in the box. On defense he is responsible, and likes to try and stick close to the opposition player he is marking to give them a hard time for the full 90 minutes. Going forward, he likes to play one twos out wide to try and get space for forward runs.
We asked Johnson how he feels about this transition into the world of soccer:
"It's a very exciting time for me. I always enjoyed watching and playing soccer even as an SHL player, so getting this opportunity to hit the field in a big league like the SSL is awesome and I just can't wait to get started."
We also asked Johnson about his goals coming into this league and what he expects out of the draft and his career:
"Honestly I don't have much in the way of expectations for myself. I'm someone who has always prided myself on my fitness level so I just aim to not be out of my depth in the league and keep up with all these younger players. As for the draft, I'm just going in with an open mind and am ready to start my career with anyone who takes me."
It will be fascinating to see how things go with Johnson, we will monitor his new career with great interest.
(338 words)
