Athlete Spotlight: Ainsley Johnson

BISMARCK – Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky once said: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.”
That quote is insight into the Great One’s understanding of how a player impacts the game. 
Legacy-Bismarck High standout Ainsley Johnson also puts a high value on being in the right spot at the right time. And it’s that awareness, coupled with her skating prowess that makes her one of the top impact players in girls’ hockey.
“My greatest strength is my speed and ability to read the play which allows me to create opportunities and capitalize on opponents,’’ the Legacy senior said. “Early on, I relied mostly on my speed. Over time, I’ve learned to use it more effectively by reading the play, making smarter decisions, and trusting my skills.”
She’s a key part of Legacy-BHS’ offense, among the leaders in points, but she gives just as much attention to her play in the defensive end.
“As I’ve gotten older, I realized that being reliable defensively not only helps the team but also creates more opportunities offensively,’’ she admits. “I think my defensive side of my play has always been there, but has definitely evolved. Early on, I learned the value of being responsible away from the puck, and competing at higher levels has fueled my growth in that part of the game.”
Doing the little things is a phrase to describe areas of the game that often are overlooked, but critical for success. Ainsley does those well, says head coach Nick Johnson. Those include blocking shots, winning faceoffs, positioning herself in the right defensive spots and being aware of the situation, and acting accordingly.
“Ainsley is the type of player that we can put her on the ice in any situation,” Johnson said. “She has immense hockey knowledge to read situations and make others on the ice with her better.”

She has a high compete level and always possessed a desire to continue to improve her game.

“She has always had great natural skill, but the way she works in the off-season and how she continues to refine her skills is always something that I’ve been extremely impressed with,’’ coach Johnson said. “Of course when she came in as a freshman, she wasn’t nearly as vocal as a leader and was much more timid. She starting coming out of that shell at the end of her freshman year and because of her work ethic and vocal leadership skills; she was voted captain her sophomore year.”
Ainsley’s captaincy, unfortunately, was first limited to off the ice. She suffered a torn ACL while playing for Team ND in the summer before her sophomore season. It meant her impact would have to come through encouraging words and being ever-present on the bench and locker room.
“It was difficult trying to be captain without the ability to lead by example,’’ she admits. “I tried my best to lead by showing up to all the practices and games, giving them advice or offering them support. I gained a new perspective of the game from the bench. And learned that leadership is not only about my performance on the ice, but also about encouragement, communications and accountability.”
The road back to playing was filled with challenges. She had rehab two-to-three times a week after school. “The most difficult part was having to relearn how to do things most people do without even thinking about them,’’ Ainsley recalls. “Movements like bending my leg, walking, dressing myself, and using stairs were tasks I couldn’t believe I had taken for granted.”
Great physical therapists and sports trainers made sure Ainsley was challenged every day to keep pushing toward recovery and her goal to return to the ice.
When she returned to the ice for her junior season she was more determined to be a difference maker.
Johnson’s hockey journey started young. She was introduced to the game by her father who grew up with the game in a small town in Minnesota. “He signed my two older brothers (Jack and Caleb) and me up to play,’’ she recalls. “And as the only girl, all I wanted was to be just like my big brothers.”
The fast game offered excitement and a competitiveness that became infectious for Ainsley. “I love chasing the puck, improving my skills and testing myself against others,’’ she said. “Playing hockey has allowed me to form friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.” 

And one of those memories came last February in Grand Forks. Legacy-Bismarck High entered the ND state tournament as the No. 5 seed. It ended the weekend hoisting the program’s first state championship trophy. Three impressive victories, including knocking off three-time defending state champion Fargo North-South in double overtime in the semifinals before topping West Fargo United the championship.
“I think most of the girls on our team would agree with me when I say that there was something in the air that week,’’ the all-stater forward recalls.
“We finally found the switch we had been looking for all season. And for four days we only focused on hockey. We took it day by day, period by period, shift by shift. We never got ahead of ourselves, and we all stayed in the moment to focus on what we as a team could control. Everybody skated their hardest, put their bodies on the line, and worked hard to create plays.”
This season creates new challenges for her and the team. As the defending champion, teams are aware of Legacy-Bismarck High’s potential.
“We came into the season with lots of excitement and a confidence that has fueled the effort in practice,’’ she said. “Our team talks a lot about the state run we had last year, but we recognize that it is a new season and team. Therefore, we have to put in the same amount of effort and work if we want to be successful this season.”
One of the areas that makes Legacy-Bismarck High stand out is a lineup filled with strong skaters.
“We’re a fast team with strong depth across the lineup, she said. “A big part of that comes from our skating coach, Tanya Fyfe, who works with every girl throughout the week, emphasizing edge work and maximizing efficiency in each stride.”
The entire coaching staff, Ainsley says, has set a high standard environment that pushes the squad to compete, but develop as players and people. She also has the benefit of her father, Ryan, on the bench as an assistant.
“They focus on details in practice, hold us accountable, and ensure everyone understands their role within the team which has allowed us to reach our peak potential,’’ she said.
There will be more hockey in the future for Ainsley.
She will attend and play for Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. “Playing at the next level has been something I dreamed about since I was in elementary school,’’ she said.
Coach Johnson said the entire program is proud of her and her commitment to Concordia. It will be fun to see her compete at the collegiate level. “I think the biggest thing that she will need to continue to develop to make an impact at the college level is going to be her strength. Girls are going to be bigger than her but if she continues to work on her strength and body positioning she will be very hard to play against.”
For now, there is a little over a month remaining in her high school career. And time for more memories to be made.

Photo courtesy of Lyle Ripplinger