Shipping out from Boston

Though the CBR Brave have gained many fantastic new additions to their side in 2017, there are a few familiar faces missing from the pack. One that is very noticeable is Ryan Johnson, who played 54 games for the Brave winning the John Lewis Memorial Award, which is given to the player that best exemplifies dedication to the team on and off the ice in 2015. Johnson's passion for the Brave has left an enormous legacy. He chose to retire at the end of last season, citing more time with his family as the number one reason for his departure.

"My son is 10 this year and it's good to be able to spend more time with him and not have to travel and I can also commit more time to my partner and her kids as well."

"Also, I was feeling a lot of aches and pains at the end of last season that I hadn't usually and I thought my body could use a rest. I didn't think that I could commit the time that is required at that level this year so the time was right for me to step away."

Fans would note that most of those aches and pains probably come from Ryan's big hits on the ice, something he was renowned and revered for in 2016. "I found myself in a physical role, not because I wanted to, I'd prefer scoring goals to be honest, but I'd be lucky to get 4. So I [did] what I [could] to help the team and that [was] using my body and getting in the ugly spots and in the other team's face."

The good news is that Ryan's incredible career, starting in Boston at 5 years old has not fully ended, it's just downsized. "I'm still playing hockey, but in the B league. That's a lot of fun. It's a lot less of a commitment which is great. I can roll up to the games 20 minutes before game time and play and then have a couple of beers and be home. It also doesn't require a lot of practice which is a good thing because my body can heal. My hip and my shoulder are starting to feel better which is a reflection of me playing less hockey."

While he's enjoying his time with family and his freedom, Johnson acknowledges there's a lot he misses. "I miss being around the boys and around the rink and I just miss playing. I miss being there, being in the locker room and I miss being on the ice with the guys."

Those still hopeful of seeing Johnson around the Brave Cave will be pleased to hear that he'll be about, even if it's just as a supporter of the game. As for more prominent roles in the Club, that's something to consider in the future. "I've thought about coaching and we'll see what happens. Coaching is a big time commitment too, I wouldn't want to do it unless I was committed to it 100% and right now I can't commit that time but I wouldn't rule it out in the future. It all depends on what I have going on in my life personally and whether I can fit it in."

However for those hopeful of a comeback, the answer is less promising. "Yeah, well they say never say never' right? I can say it's a possibility but at my age I'd say it's unlikely. I love being out there and love playing, so I wouldn't say it's impossible, but it's unlikely."

As part of his deserved Brave send off, Johnson got to drop the puck at the Brave Cave against the North Stars on the weekend, something he says he was honoured to do. "It felt great. It was nice to be back among the fans and my teammates, I miss it for sure so it was nice to be back there. It was a real honour and a pleasure."

As for a message for the fans who were cheering him on in his career and his puck drop on the weekend, Johnson wanted to give his most sincere thanks. "Just thank you, for all of the support they've given me. When I moved to Canberra I didn't have much family or many friends and it was the ACT ice hockey community that welcomed me in first and I appreciate it probably more than they think."

Johnson also wanted to acknowledge the Brave club and all their outstanding efforts in the community. "I just wanted to say how proud I am to be part of the organisation. I saw a bunch of the boys show up at the Love Your Sister charity event [held Wednesday 10 May] and I've seen them do other things around the community and it just makes me proud to be a part of an organisation that gives back to the community as much as the Brave does."This comment shows the Brave have come a long way in achieving Johnson's number one goal stated in a previous interview with the writer, when he said "when I leave the CBR Brave [I hope] the kind of culture and attitude and pride that I envision for this team is in place."

A big thanks and congratulations to Ryan for his efforts with the Brave in the past 3 seasons. You will be missed.