DOG POUND: Assistant Captain Adler Johnston Opens Up

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Terrier marketing director Cody Buhler had the opportunity to sit down with Terrier Assistant Captain Adler Johnston.

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Cody: How would you describe Adler Johnston to someone? Tell us about yourself.

Adler: That’s a hard question.
Someone who tries to put his teammates before himself and is hardworking.

Cody: Tell us about where you’re from and your family.

AJ: I was born and raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
I moved away to play hockey in Sioux Falls, SD, when I was 15. I have two parents and an older and younger brother.
My Dad is a financial advisor, and my mom takes care of the family at home.
My mom is actually from Canada.

CB: Where from?

AJ: Olds, AB.
I don’t have my Canadian citizenship, but because my mom is Canadian, its easier for me to cross the border when I come here.

CB: Any Pets?

AJ: One dog named Deke.
He is a golden lab and he is our second golden white lab that we’ve had.
He’s named after a hockey “deke”. I’m a big dog guy, not so much cats.

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CB: Did you play any other sports growing up?

AJ: I played football and I was a running back.
My older brother plays college football for NDSU and my younger brother played football too.
Very American lol.

CB: You’ve been living away from home since you were 15, have you picked up any culinary skills or other skills around the home?

AJ: I’ve actually gotten pretty good in the kitchen.
I’m not chef level but I can make meals for myself.
I enjoy it too.
Learning how to live on your own is something I’ve learned too.
I try to do my laundry, but my billet mom is so awesome that sometimes she takes over and finishes it for me.

CB: What do you like to do away from the rink?

AJ: I have a lot of interests.
I love to play the guitar, hang out with friends.
I love to ski, but it’s tough being a hockey player as I’m busy in winter.
I like to wake surf in the summer.
I’m a big golfer.
Fishing.
I’m just now getting into fishing more.
I haven’t had a chance to go fishing in Portage yet.
I grew up going fishing at Lake of the Woods in Ontario.

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CB: I understand you are a Minnesota Wild fan.
Is there a rivalry with the Jets or is it forced?

AJ: I feel like it’s something the media tries to put up, but I feel any matchup in the central division is a rivalry.

CB: Had you ever been to Portage/Canada before coming to the Terriers?

AJ: I had never been to MB before coming to the Terriers.
It’s pretty similar here to Minnesota, but I had been to Ontario.

CB: What are your goals for this season?

AJ: Winning a championship is the main goal.
Every guy here wants to win.
We have a great group and we are really focused.
We take care of ourselves throughout the season.
I also want to really enjoy my last year of junior.
It’s been a blast being up here in Portage.
I want to soak up every second.

CB: What do you hope to do after hockey? Any plans yet?

AJ: I plan on playing college hockey in the States.
I don’t have a school picked out yet, but that’s my plan.

CB: If you could choose any school to attend, what would it be and why?

AJ: That’s hard.
There are so many great schools.
If you asked 5-year-old Adler I’d say University of Minnesota.
Now I’d say any program that I can help out.
I always dreamed of playing for the Gophers.

– Portage Terriers

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