Dear Hockey,
You’ve been with me my entire life.
From the moment I first stepped on the outdoor rink in Sudbury at three years old, bundled up head to toe, playing alongside my brothers and sisters in -30 degrees and swirling snow, I fell in love with you. You were pure joy. You were freedom. You were family.
Now, after a lifetime of playing the game I love, it’s time for me to say goodbye to you as a player. It’s hard to find the words to describe how much you’ve meant to me, but here it goes!
Growing up in Sudbury, in a house with five siblings who all played hockey, competition was part of our daily lives. Whether we were battling it out on the outdoor rink or racing to be first on the ice for practice, we pushed each other to be better. That drive and passion started there, in the cold, in the chaos, in the joy of playing with the people I loved most.
Though we all played many sports, you were always my number one. Hockey was where I felt most alive.
From boys’ hockey in my early years to playing for the Sudbury Lady Wolves in high school, every step of the journey shaped me. I was fortunate to have incredible teammates and coaches who believed in me, challenged me and helped me grow. The community in Sudbury, the rinks, the early mornings, the frozen toes, will always hold a special place in my heart. I was lucky to grow up surrounded by supportive family, friends and teammates. My siblings were my fiercest competition and my biggest inspiration. And my parents, they were everything. My dad was my coach, my mentor, the one who always found ways to help me improve. My mom was my rock, a calming presence supporting me through all my ups and downs. They gave up so much to make sure all of us had the chance to chase our dreams and I am forever grateful for their sacrifices.
After high school, I took the next step and headed to Cornell University. My parents and sisters were a huge influence in that decision, and I am so lucky to have them as role models. Those four years were some of the best of my life. I received a world-class education while playing the game I love at the highest collegiate level. I learned how to balance life as a student-athlete, how to lead, how to listen, how to grow. The Frozen Four appearances, the early mornings on the ice with Coach Doug Derraugh, who went above and beyond to help me improve. All of it shaped me into the player and person I became. Cornell was where I truly discovered who I was, both on and off the ice.
And then came my dream to play at the Olympics.
I was just 20 when I played in my first Olympic Games: Vancouver 2010. I’ll never forget the pride of putting on the Team Canada jersey, representing my country on the world stage. That feeling never faded, not in Sochi, PyeongChang or Beijing. Each Olympics was its own journey, its own test of resilience and heart. I am proud to have won four Olympic medals, three gold and one silver, but even more proud of the people I shared those moments with.
I still remember watching the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 with my dad. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be there one day. Seeing the women’s and men’s teams win gold for Canada, the emotion, the unity and the passion, it lit a fire in me that never burnt out. To eventually live that dream and to share those moments with my family, especially my parents, is something I’ll cherish forever. I’ll never forget the moment that first gold medal was hung around my neck. I was able to spot my parents in the stands with 20,000 other spectators, all of them wearing red and white. My parents were in tears. I had never seen my father cry before, and the pride and joy on his face is something I will never forget.
Another important chapter of my career was playing in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), where I had the honour of winning two Clarkson Cups with the Calgary Inferno. The league provided a platform for so many of us to compete at a high level and to continue chasing our dreams. While the CWHL has since folded, I look back on those years with immense pride and gratitude. It’s been incredible to witness the rise of a new professional league that is thriving and finally getting the recognition we all dreamed of. I may not have had the chance to play in this new era, but I’m proud to have been a small part of the journey, helping grow the game, break barriers and pave the way for what’s now possible. Seeing the sport flourish the way it is today fills me with hope, pride and excitement for the future of women’s hockey.
Being part of the Hockey Canada program for over 15 years has truly been the honour of a lifetime. From the management and coaches to the incredible staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes, I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of such a world-class organization. Hockey Canada gave me the opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stages, at the Olympics and numerous world championships, and I will never forget the feeling of wearing the Maple Leaf. It was always more than just a jersey; it was a dream come true and a responsibility I never took for granted.
Hockey has given me so much more than medals and championships. It gave me purpose. It gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. It taught me about sacrifice, commitment, teamwork, perseverance and love. It took me around the world, introduced me to people who inspired me, and helped me grow into the person I am today.
Even though I’m retiring from playing, I’m not saying goodbye. Hockey will always be a part of me. I’m so excited to continue giving back to the game, working in player development with the Calgary Flames and helping the next generation grow, just like so many helped me along the way.
Thank you, hockey… for everything. For the memories on the outdoor rinks in Sudbury. For the teammates and coaches who believed in me. For the early mornings, the heartbreaks, the triumphs and the lessons. For making me who I am.
With love and gratitude, Johnny