Johnson enjoying time with Canes

By Lethbridge Herald on March 20, 2025.

Herald FILE photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Lethbridge Hurricanes Trae Johnson attempts to cut around the check of Will Subject of the Vancouver Giants during WHL action earlier this season.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Trae Johnson is embracing the change to the Lethbridge Hurricanes after coming over in an off-season trade from the Kelowna Rockets before this season started.

“I think I’ve had a pretty good year,” said Johnson.

“It’s kind of playing all types (of) situations (and) kind of being maybe a Swiss Army knife in a way.”

He thinks he has had good coaching in Lethbridge.

“They’ve really help me get my game to a better level,” said Johnson.

Johnson has embraced Bill Peters coaching style.

“He teaches you a lot day in and day out,” said Johnson.

“So if you really listen and pay attention, you’re gonna learn a lot about the game from him.”

Johnson’s role has been garnered towards playing on the penalty kill, inserting himself up and down the line up where he is needed and when called upon he will fight.

Johnson spoke about how he is leading as a 19-year-old.

“Come with a good attitude, being a good teammate and just doing little things,” said Johnson.

Johnson reached the 250 career game mark earlier this month.

“It’s a good accomplishment,” said Johnson.

“It feels like I just played my first game yesterday, so it’s pretty cool I hit 250 now.”

He credits looking after his body for getting to the milestone mark.

“Just maintaining your body, doing little workouts, make sure you’re not hurting your shoulder or anything and staying rested I guess,” said Johnson.

Johnson said every year there’s been good memories.

Matt Anholt, Canes associate head coach, thinks Johnson knows the league and its preparation by reaching the milestone mark.

“He’s one of those guys that’s in the gym long after practice to make sure that his body’s ready to go,” said Anholt.

Anholt has noticed that Johnson had made an impact this season.

“I knew what we were getting as a high-level human being and he’s been exactly that,” said Anholt.

“He doesn’t wear a letter but he is a leader in his own way.”

Anholt thinks Johnson has done a good job with the penalty killing, shot blocking and fights.

“You couldn’t ask for a better teammate,” said Anholt.

Through 66 games, Johnson had set a career high in goals with seven, assists with 13 and points with 20.