All He Does Is Win
Hockey alum Cam Johnson reflects on his time at UND and how it prepared him for championship glory at the professional level.
As a goalie for both the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and the Florida Everblades, UND hockey alum Cam Johnson has experienced championship glory multiple times and sees similarities in each title run. The biggest factor, he said, is the locker room camaraderie between teammates. “The teams that win it all usually have a good core group of guys that want to play for each other.”
The former standout goaltender for UND Hockey recently became a champion again as the Everblades finished at the top of the ECHL, capturing back-to-back Kelly Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. Cam was named the June M. Kelly Playoff MVP in both seasons. The awards are a nice touch, but Cam says his teammates deserve credit. He has maintained a strong team-first mindset dating back to his days at UND.
Johnson lifts the Kelly Cup Trophy after the Florida Everblades defeated the Idaho Steelheads to repeat as ECHL champions in 2023. (Photo credit: Tyler Center, Florida Everblades)
During his sophomore season, his first as the top goaltender, he played a vital role in the net as UND captured its most recent National Championship. He finished with a school record .933 save percentage and a 33-save performance in UND’s championship victory over top-ranked Quinnipiac. “We understood the situation and the drought that existed since the last UND title,” Cam said. “Everybody got along well and contributed when it was their time to step up.”
Cam finished his UND career as one of the best goaltenders in school history, ranking among the top in average goals allowed, career shutouts, winning percentage and save percentage. That success launched him into a professional career with opportunities in the AHL, NHL and ECHL.
My biggest appreciation from being a student is how nice the people were and how passionate they are about UND Hockey.
Through all of Cam’s accomplishments, he fondly remembers UND. “My biggest appreciation from being a student is how nice the people were and how passionate they are about UND Hockey. I would go out in public and get recognized, and that would turn into interesting conversations about their UND history. It was a really cool experience in North Dakota,” said Cam.
While he remains in touch with most of his UND teammates and coaches from the 2016 National Championship run, Cam is focused on continuing his championship success in Florida. “I just love it in Florida. I have a good situation going down there and I’m enjoying myself and enjoying life.”
