CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — As Ross Johnston’s game continues to grow, so does his following.
The Suffolk native is in his second year of playing full time for the NHL’s New York Islanders. The 26-year-old left-winger said athletes are often getting tagged in different social media posts, and it can range from people being very negative to very positive.
One that has created a buzz around Prince Edward Island is the Ross Johnston Fan Club (@BigBossRossFans) on Twitter.
“They’re faithful,” Johnston said. “They’re always positive, so anytime you have fans like that, it’s pretty great.”
Mac Deng, an accountant from Oakdale in Suffolk County, N.Y., created the account in March 2019. It has 700 followers and often is spreading news about Johnston and pumping the tires of the big man who has taken a less-travelled route to the top professional hockey league in the world.
Deng deflects any credit for the fan club’s presence, saying he is only one component.
“It’s not my account, it’s our account,” he said. “I might be the facilitator but it’s really the fans, the followers, the people that know Ross, the people who appreciate him.”
Once more, I summon the Ross Johnston Army and the province of PEI to push our boy through. It takes courage in the face of adversity, and we have much of both #FREETHEBOSS https://t.co/nqEMp2jjDU
— Ross Johnston Fan Club (@BigBossRossFans) May 1, 2020
Deng became an Islanders’ fan while in college in 2015. He was, and is, a big fan of the Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck line for its style of play, which can energize the Isles with a big hit, pester the opposition with a strong forecheck or retain possession in the offensive zone for long stretches.
Deng remembers Johnston, who is now listed as six-foot-five and 235 pounds, taking part in a prospects’ scrimmage a few years ago. The strong, undrafted winger got in a fight, which endeared him to a segment of the fan base.
But Johnston has continued to improve his overall play each year and is much more than what people initially saw when the Islanders signed him as a free agent during the 2014-15 season.
“He’s really worked on his game and he’s stepped up and brought a valuable aspect to the team and a lot of Islanders’ fans are appreciative of that. I think he’s a very underrated player,” said Deng, noting his speed for his size, puck-handling skills, shot and ability to use his strength to get to the front of the net for tip-ins and rebounds.
“He’s more than just an enforcer, or goon, as people say. He’s really a valuable member of the team that brings certain intangibles a lot of other players don't.”
Johnston, who has traditionally played limited minutes during his NHL career, was even elevated to play alongside the Isles’ top centre, Mathew Barzal, for a stretch this season.
“He didn't look out of place out there. … I think people kind of saw the potential of what he could be,” Deng said. “He’s a big, physical body, and I think he imposes fear on the other team.”
Johnston finished the regular season with three goals, an assist and 78 penalty minutes in 32 games. It is almost double the number of games he played in 2018-19, when he was a healthy scratch at times. He is tied with Toronto Maple Leafs’ Kyle Clifford for third in fights this season with six. Nicolas Deslauriers of the Anaheim Ducks is first with 14.
Deng is happy to do his part to help spread the word about Johnston. He said recent posts about the young man working on the family farm during the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic showed him in a way most fans don't often see.
Deng said he also has enjoyed getting to know Prince Edward Islanders who are passionate supporters of Johnston.
“These people have definitely helped to grow the story and give background,” he said. “It makes him look more human, I guess, than the celebrity that many people think of athletes (as).”
Did you know @roscojohnston’s family has a farm on PEI?? 🚜🐄🐓
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 3, 2020
With 13 pasture fields & 60 cows to tend to, Ross has been working sunrise to sunset during the pause! https://t.co/LGdv3Bq1jO
Deng has never met the hulking Johnston, who is always quick to credit his teammates for any success he has.
“I’ve heard a few stories from people who have, and they say he’s a fantastic guy and just a really nice person.”
Johnston said he takes it as a compliment when people notice him for his efforts.
“At the end of the day, it’s very important to be a good person, no matter what you do,” he said. “You’re not just representing yourself anymore. You’re representing people from the Island – Prince Edward Island that is – and Long Island.”
Need to know
Who: Ross Johnston, a member of the New York Islanders of the NHL.
P.E.I. roots: Johnston grew up on the family farm in Suffolk.
Do you remember? Johnston was working in the hayfield when news of his four-year NHL contract with the Islanders was announced in July 2018.
Career statistics
Season League GP G A Pts. PIM
2019-20 NHL 32 3 1 4 78
2018-19 NHL 17 1 3 4 23
2017-18 NHL 24 3 3 6 62
2017-18 AHL 38 3 8 11 113
2016-17 AHL 62 8 7 15 135
2015-16 NHL 1 0 0 0 4
2015-16 AHL 39 1 3 4 79
2014-15 AHL 2 0 0 0 0
2014-15 QMJHL 44 18 14 32 124
