Johnston Earning His Stripes
Brendan Johnston
Brendan Johnston has won 5 of his last 6 starts with the Windsor Spitfires – Photo by Terry Wilson/ OHL Images
As the New Year rolled around however, Johnston, who stole the starting role for the GOJHL’s Junior B Chatham Maroons last season in a similar fashion, was earning his stripes, and his starts with the Spitfires.
“I feel like I just had to adjust to that change in pace,” said Johnston, who Saturday had another spectacular performance, making 38 saves in a 3-2 overtime win over the Kingston Frontenacs. “Now that I’ve got the pace down pat, I can give my team chances to win and that’s just what we’ve been doing.”
In fact, Johnston has now won 5 of his last 6 starts, and has played in 19 games this season, only a handful less than Fotinos. Johnston, who now holds an 8-6-1 record, with a 4.46 goals against average and 0.873 save percentage, credits his team in front of him for his recent success.
“Everyone’s contributing,” says the Chatham-Kent Cyclones alumni, who was drafted by the Spitfires in 2013. “Obviously it’s an awesome feeling picking up some big points coming towards playoffs and we’re looking for that last spot, but like I said, I couldn’t do it alone. The guys are scoring and blocking shots which makes my life easier.”
After an up and down start to the season, Johnston is looking to close out the season strong, and help the Windsor Spitfires secure a spot in the postseason.
“My goal for the rest of this season would be to help put my team into a playoff spot, just three points out now, it’s defiantly a realistic goal and we’re on a little roll here, so I guess we’ll see what happens in the next couple months and hopefully get some postseason games in.”
The Windsor Spitfires return to the ice Thursday against the Sudbury Wolves, and Saturday against the Kitchener Rangers.