July 10, 2006
Johnson Will Play For Gophers
CHN Staff Report
MINNEAPOLIS — Erik Johnson made history when he became the first overall pick in June's NHL Draft, now he will make more history by following that up with at least one season in college hockey.
The 18-year old native of Bloomington, Minn., has informed coach Don Lucia that he will play this season for Minnesota, fulfilling a dream he plans to keep despite his NHL status.
"I was thinking you know I want to play at Minnesota and I always wanted to so why not," Johnson told TV station KARE in Minneapolis.
Lucia described himself as "ecstatic," and why not, for a coach that already lost three prominent underclassmen to the pros and is still waiting the decision of Phil Kessel, who was the No. 5 overall pick of Boston.
"I want to win it for the U and be one of the best players in college hockey," Johnson told the TV station.
