Johnny FourStar media availability starts now.

Q: Johnny, it's your seventh season of SHL play. What have you learned in your time in the league?

A: Its been an incredible ride. I've gotten to play the game I love every day at the highest level for almost seven full seasons. I am incredibly grateful for my time in the league. I've learned so much during these seasons, but most of all how important it is to be a team player, to bring my best every day, and how that hard work pays off on the ice.

Q: How are you feeling at this point in the season? How is your body holding up?

A: Every season is a marathon. But that being said, I feel pretty good. My coaches have encouraged me over the past few seasons to be more physical on the ice, which has opened things up for our team and led to more winning plays. And at this point in my career, rest and recovery is just as important as on ice practice. I'm in a good routine and I feel like I can still perform at the highest level come the end of the season.

Q: You have been a league leader in hits for two seasons now. Has this always been a big part of your game?

A: No, not really. But as the teams makeup has changed over the last few seasons, it was something I could do to contribute to winning. A lot of young players are quick rather than physical these days, and we have so much young talent that, frankly, are more talented than I ever will be. I'm not the biggest guy on the ice, either, but I want to lead by example and bring the energy every shift.

Q: You are right that the teams makeup has changed drastically. Since the teams run to the Western Conference Playoffs in S76, the only players remaining on Winnipegs roster are Rhett "Shaggy" Carpet, Marcel Beck, and you. Winnipeg has only won 1 playoff game since S76. Did you expect to spend this part of your career in a rebuild?

A: In all honesty, it wasn't my first choice, but has been obvious for some time that this is the way that the front office wanted to go. It's hard to make a name for yourself league wide when you're playing on a team that isn't a contender. But, on the other hand, I think the organizations choice to keep me here says that they trust me, as well as Marcel and Shaggy, to lead the team and ensure that the culture stays constant. And, Winnipeg fans know the impact I've had on the ice. This organization has always done right by me. To my knowledge, I've never been shopped and they've always compensated me well. I am very happy in Winnipeg.

Q: Do you see yourself retiring an Aurora?

A: I'd like to, but I know that the front office needs to make the best decisions it can for the future, and that may be without me. I think we've got a lot of great talent on this team, and once they develop we'll be back contending for championships in the very near future.

Q: You were close but never won a Four Star Cup, and you have yet to win a Challenge Cup. How important is it to finally win a cup?

A: My only regret is that I feel I am on the back nine of my career and I have never won a club championship. I don't just want to be on a team that wins one, I want to be a contributor. I have worked for years to be the best player I can be. I know the ship has sailed on the biggest accolades: Ron Mexicos, HOF, 2k TPE (though I was close!). Those accomplishments would be nice but my career would be complete with a Challenge Cup. I am working hard every day still for the chance to win one. For my agent, Niklas Wikstrom, it will be a decade this summer since he won his first Challenge Cup. We know that no player is guaranteed that win, but I want to retire as a champion.

Q: You've enjoyed success at the international level, but a few seasons ago the Swedish federation shocked the world by leaving you off the roster. How is that relationship now?

A: Better, it's water under the bridge now and we've moved past it. I take a lot of pride in international play. Niklas and his players have almost exclusively played for Sweden, and have devoted a lot of time and effort to keeping Sweden an international powerhouse. They've supported us when we've let them down in the distant past, which I am grateful for. I am working hard not just for Winnipeg, but for Sweden as well. I think we've played some great hockey since that happened, which, again, is such old news, and I continue to look forward to international success for the rest of my career.

Q: You are on track to set a personal record for points in a season. What can you attribute to that success?

A: Its my teammates. Coach is putting me in a position to play great hockey, and my teammates are absolutely phenomenal. I feel like we have a lot of chemistry, I have earned opportunities on special teams to go create offense, and my team has done a great job finishing and playing great hockey. I mean, have you seen Langston (Hardison-Laurent)? He's an absolute stud and a great teammate to take the ice with every night. And I could say the same for every player on our roster. It's a very fun time to play for Winnipeg, even if we're not where we want to be in the standings.

Q: Some reports have mentioned that your locker room presence has been lacking. Care to comment?

A: I feel like a lot in that arena has changed over time. I try my best to be a good teammate and everyone knows how to get in touch with me; I'm available whenever they need. I don't think I'll ever be the player that those who say that want me to be and that's fine. What I would want the rest of the league owners to realize is my track record in this league of working hard and being loyal to my team. I feel that I bring value to an organization and my time in Winnipeg proves that.

Q: Do you see yourself remaining connected to the SHL post-retirement?

A: I think it's too early to tell. Niklas + his players have been in this league for over a decade. I don't know what that involvement looks like, whether that's chasing HOF and 2k, or if that's taking more of an interest in the SMJHL. I was only planning to play in the SMJHL, but that changed post SHL draft. Who knows?

Q: Before we go, anyone you would like to thank?

A: First, Spangle for recruiting me to this league, which has been a huge part of my life for ten years. Next, so many players and teammates, most who are no longer active, for their friendship and for being part of this world with me. Finally, a huge thank you to Ace, who has always believed in me and my player, and who without I might not still be here. He has been my biggest supporter for 60 seasons and I am forever grateful.

Q: Final question, is this your final season in the SHL?

A: I can't say for sure. I think that day is coming soon. Whether it's this season, that's something I'm still considering. Winnipeg has a chance to get into the playoffs, and at that point anything can happen. I guess with retirement, my thoughts are the same: anything can happen.

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