Mike Johnston, born on February 19, 1957, is a Canadian ice hockey coach whose career has spanned various levels of the sport, from junior leagues to the NHL. Currently, he serves as the vice president and general manager of the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Mike Johnson, coach of the Portland Winterhawks. Source: Wikipedia
Early Beginnings and Australian Adventure
Johnston's coaching journey began unexpectedly in Australia. After studying to become a phys ed teacher and finding jobs scarce in Canada, he contacted the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association for overseas opportunities. A mix-up led him to addresses in Australia instead of Austria.
At 22, Johnston ventured to Australia with his friend Ray Robertson, a Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick. They joined a forming six-team pro league, residing on the beach in Narrabeen. They played for a season in Newcastle and another in Sydney, winning a championship. More than that, they coached the pro team, the junior team, and youth teams.
"The interesting thing was, in Australia, I was a coach, and nobody knew anything about hockey, really," Johnston said. "So I could do anything I wanted. No matter what drill I ran or what I did, I could do anything. … It gave me a chance to coach and just do whatever."
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Upon returning to Canada, Johnston pursued college and university hockey, crossing paths with coaches like Ken Hitchcock and Mike Babcock. He earned a master’s in coaching science and co-authored two books on coaching. He also gained international experience with Team Canada, including the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Coaching Philosophy and Preparation
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Johnston emphasizes preparation, process, and enjoying the journey. He believes in focusing on the present and ensuring players are fully prepared for any situation. As he once said, "From Day 1, I prepare all year long for that big match, and once I’m in it, I never worry about anything."
To connect with his players, Johnston made personal visits to key players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, as well as others in Pittsburgh. He aimed to build relationships beyond the ice, fostering a culture of courage and leadership within the team.
“That was a telling story to me how much he cares and how much he wants to communicate with the players,” Rutherford said.
Johnston wants the Penguins to hold onto the puck, support the puck, give each other options and make good decisions. If they get the puck in the defensive zone, he wants to skate out cleanly - or perhaps chip the puck to an area where someone can skate to it - 80 percent of the time. He wants to come through the neutral zone with numbers. He wants to enter the offensive zone with possession.
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“The last option,” he said, “is to dump it in deep.”
He compares it to a football offense. The puck-carrier is like a quarterback making reads. Johnston will judge decisions, not results. If the Penguins give away the puck, it will concern him if they made the wrong read.
NHL Opportunity with the Pittsburgh Penguins
On June 25, 2014, Mike Johnston was appointed as the 21st head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite lacking prior NHL head coaching experience, Johnston was highly regarded, coming off a successful 54-win season in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks.
Mike Johnston during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Source: SB Nation
During the 2014-15 season, the Penguins showed promise with a 22-6-4 record early on, but they finished the season eighth in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.
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The following season, after a 15-10-3 start, Johnston was fired on December 12, 2015. This move paved the way for Mike Sullivan, who later led the Penguins to Stanley Cup victories.
Return to the Portland Winterhawks
After his stint with the Penguins, Johnston returned to the Portland Winterhawks as vice president, general manager, and head coach. His leadership has been instrumental in developing young talent and maintaining the Winterhawks' competitive edge.
During Johnston's 13 years as the head coach in Portland, he helped 41 Winterhawks get drafted into the NHL, including nine players being selected in the first round.
On October 6, 2023, Johnston achieved his 500th WHL win in a 4-1 victory over the Everett Silvertips in Portland, becoming the 11th coach in WHL history to reach this milestone. Johnston led the Winterhawks to a 48-15-0 record for the 2023-24 season and advanced to the WHL championship where they were swept by the Moose Jaw Warriors 4-0.
Legacy and Influence
Mike Johnston's coaching career is marked by his dedication to player development, strategic thinking, and ability to build strong relationships. His influence extends from his early days in Australia to his NHL experience and his enduring impact on the Portland Winterhawks.
Mike Johnston Coaching Statistics
| Team | League | Years | Record | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Winterhawks | WHL | 2008-2014, 2016-2024 | 544-249-64 | WHL Championship (2013) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | NHL | 2014-2015 | 58-37-15 | Lost in First Round (2015) |