Monday Morning Alumni Update - Dillon Johnstone

May 12th 2008

Over the next several weeks we will be catching up with former Chilliwack Bruin players. Check back each Monday for a new feature.

Dillon Johnstone is one of six players to score a goal in their first game with the Bruins

Dillon Johnstone joined the Bruins for his final season of junior hockey in November of 2006 from the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Prior to his time in Estevan, Johnstone had spent time with the Western Hockey League's Tri City Americans, but his WHL career was derailed as a result of injuries including a freak on ice accident that left him with 50% vision in his left eye. This past year, Johntone was a member of the University of Regina's hockey team.

Dillon, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. How did your first season of University hockey go?

It went well. Our team didn't do as well as we should have, we finished with a record of 10-20. Personally, I think I had a good year. I broke my wrist in December and missed three months but because of the Christmas break and two bye weeks, I only missed eight games. I scored six goals and totaled 13 points in the 20 games.

How does the caliber of hockey compare to the WHL?

It's very good hockey. The players are definitely bigger and stronger and more experienced. The style of play actually suits my style so I fell I adapted fairly quickly.

How did your studies go, have you declared a major?

My studies went well. I haven't declared a major yet but I am definitely leaning towards business. I took all the prerequisite courses for business.

As a graduate of the WHL, you are able to take advantage of the WHL's Education Program, that has to be a big perk now that you are attending university.

No question. I earned three years of paid education from my time in the WHL and not having to take out student loans and put myself in the hole financially to continue my education has been huge.

Did you play against any other former Bruins?

Just one, Craig Lineker who plays for UBC. He had a great year and was named to the All Conference Rookie team. Nice to see him do well.

Do you keep in touch with your former Chilliwack team mates?

For sure. Most of the guys returned to Chilliwack this past season so I followed the team pretty closely and talked to everyone a few times during the season. When the team was out this way I went to the games in Moose Jaw and Regina and spent some time with the guys after the game.

Just prior to coming to Chilliwack, you were playing for the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL and were leading that league in scoring, talk about your decision to come to Chilliwack.

Estevan was a lot of fun and a good place to play but when I had the opportunity to go to Chilliwack I felt it was something I had to do. In Tri City I had the injuries and I feld I had to give it another go. I'm glad I did, my experience in Chilliwack was the best time I've had in hockey.

What are your plans for the summer?

School finished a few weeks ago. I'm working for my dad's trucking company. It's an oil field transfer business which keeps me busy hauling through south east Saskatchewan and south west Manitoba. I'll be taking  some time off in a few weeks to visit my billet family in Chilliwack.

Last question, what is your fondest memory of your time in Chilliwack?

That's a tough question, there are so many. The first playoff game was awesome but I have to say the fondest was my first game with the Bruins. As I said earlier because of the injuries I had in my first stint in the WHL I was really excited to be given another opportunity. It was a home game vs Tri City that we ended up losing in overtime but I was able to score my first WHL goal in that game against Carey Price, so I'd say that was my fondest memory.