Johan Steen Prepared To Make Impact With Brahmas

Johan Steen is prepared to make an impact with the Lone Star Brahmas in his sophomore season. With a year of experience and growth under his belt the 6′ 2″, 200 pound defenseman will enter this season as a trusted veteran.

Steen describes himself as a two way player along the lines of a Nicklas Lidstrom who he styled his game after. Johan likes playing “gritty” and shutting down the opponent’s top line or giving up the body to block a shot on the penalty kill. He will also get involved in the offensive attack using his poise and vision to create scoring opportunities. “When I have the chance, I like to jump up in the rush and help the forwards put some pucks in the back of the net.“

Of the roughly 550 players who finished the season on an NAHL roster only 29 were younger than Steen and only eight of those were defensemen. Fortunately he had some skilled veterans like Alexey Solovyev and Nick Blase on the team who helped him adapt to the league. I was a big adjustment for me,” said Steen. “Luckily enough we had some great leaders and veterans on the team last year that helped me overcome that jump from youth hockey to juniors. They explained to me how much of it was mental and how you need to control your emotions.” Despite still being one of the youngest Brahmas entering this season Steen will carry the veteran label and look to embrace that role. “I believe the veterans really helped me mature and improve my game to where it is today. I only hope as one of the veterans this season, I can do the same and help some of the new guys coming into the team.”

Steen and Solovyev will be the Brahmas’ only returning veterans on the blueline this season. However, coaches Dan Wildfong and Jeff Potter did a great job of scouting and brought in some experienced players who have played at a high level in Canadian Junior A as well as some talented younger players. “I feel like all of the defenseman on the team right now are very solid and we have a good mix of veterans and rookies who all have different playing styles that compliment each other,” Steen said in assessing the current defensive unit. “The defensive lineup this year in my opinion has a lot more depth and looks very promising to have a great year and hopefully we can help lead our team to a championship through our play.”

“I have no doubt in my mind that our team is capable of gaining a playoff spot and making a deep playoff run hopefully for a championship.”

Scouts took notice of Steen’s play last season earning him his second selection in the USHL Entry Draft in as many years. This year he was a fifth round selection (85 overall) by the Dubuque Fighting Saints. However, he continued to work this offseason to elevate his game further. “I trained a lot this summer both on and off the ice in different aspects of my game.” Much of his time was spent getting stronger and faster as well as working on the mental part of his game. “The focus was on the defensive side of my game which I feel is one of my weaker points, but I always try to better it everyday,” Steen explained.

With the Brahmas getting a full offseason to assemble a roster, Steen is confident they can build on the success of the second half last season. “I have no doubt in my mind that our team is capable of gaining a playoff spot and making a deep playoff run hopefully for a championship.” He knows where the push and leadership will have to come from. “I think it starts with us veterans,” he said. “We’re here to play hockey to the best of our ability and help show the new guys on the team what it takes to play in this league and to play at this level. It will not be easy in any means. It will take a lot of sacrifice, hard work, commitment, and attention to detail, but like I said I have no doubt in my mind our team is capable of making it into the playoffs.”.