Sep 15th, 2009

Get to Know the Stealth: Tom Johnson

Tom Johnson is one of the true characters of the National Lacrosse League. Off the field, the Canadian turned California kid provides the comic relief for his friends and teammates.  On the field, he terrorizes opposing goaltenders with his patented cross-crease diving shot. In his two years with the Stealth in San Jose, he has developed an affinity for the California surf and sunshine, but is equally as excited about setting up shop in the Pacific Northwest.

The Vancouver, British Columbia native was selected seventh overall in the 2007 NLL Entry Draft and entering his third season with the Stealth, he has developed into one of the bright young stars in the game.  He averaged over two points per game in 2009, with 33 points (20g, 13a) in 14 games. 

Prior to his time in the NLL, he played his Junior lacrosse for the Delta Islanders where he still holds the all-time scoring record.  He was the first overall selection of the WLA draft by the Langley Thunder and was the 2007 WLA Rookie of the Year after recording 54 points (27g, 27a). 

Aside from his obvious knack for putting the ball in the back of the net, teams were undoubtedly excited about Johnson’s size and athleticism.  At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, the big forward uses his size to get position on the lacrosse rug and catch passes on the football field.  Johnson is in his second season with the University of British Columbia football team, where he plays slot receiver.  He was a provincial All-Star quarterback in high school as well as a team Most Valuable Player in rugby.  In fact, Johnson was invited to play on Team Canada’s junior rugby team.

But Johnson chose to stick with lacrosse, and Stealth fans are the beneficiaries.  Starting in January, you can watch the exciting 24-year old live at the Comcast Arena.  Here are a few questions Johnson answered for this installment of Get to Know the Stealth.

Q&A
1. When did you start playing lacrosse?  How did you get started?
TJ: First Year Novice (age 9), my friends convinced me to play

2. What other sports did you play growing up?
TJ: Football, Rugby, Soccer

3. What is your greatest sports memory as a player?
TJ: PeeWee Championship and game MVP

4. You play football for the University of British Columbia. Does playing in the NLL help you when you get out on the football field?
TJ: Definitely, with my overall confidence in different game situations

5. Besides the Stealth, what are your favorite sports teams?
TJ: Dallas Cowboys, BC Lions, Vancouver Canucks, LA Lakers, Toronto Blue Jays

6. What is the one city in the world you have never been to that you would like to visit and why? 

TJ: Lima, Peru. So I could visit Machu Picchu because I've been fascinated with it since grade 6 and I hear the surf there isn't to bad either

7. What are your hobbies outside of lacrosse?
TJ: Working out, Wake boarding, Surfing, Snow Boarding, Playing Basketball, X box live (Call of Duty 4)

8. What team in the NLL do you look forward to facing this season and why?
TJ: Calgary for obvious reasons but also Boston, because I thought we should of won last year and to be a tourist in Boston for the day

9. Do you have any pre game superstitions?
TJ: Eat a banana, drink a 5 hour energy, Sit beside Kyle Sorenson in the locker room, Wear a Sweat band around my left leg

10. What goals do you have for the rest of your lacrosse career?
TJ: Win a championship, and keep improving