Bryn Athyn College Alumni Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 17

Terrence has scored in 5
consecutive games and is
ranked 2nd in the league in
scoring efficiency.

alumni spotlight

TERRENCE JOHNSON
GOING PRO

T

errence Johnson (‘15) is a Bryn Athyn College student who currently plays professional hockey
for the Swedish team Vallentuna, based in Stockholm. A business and psychology major with
a kind heart, a stunning work ethic, and considerable charisma, Johnson was perhaps best known
on campus for his athletic prowess. Bryn Athyn College hockey not only benefitted from Johnson’s
considerable speed and skill, but the program was undoubtedly enhanced by the leadership he
provided throughout his college career. His talent and discipline have brought him to this exciting
Scandinavian adventure, and when we caught up with him he let us in on what it’s been like to
transition to playing professionally in a new country.
ALUMNI MAG: How did you land a contract with a
professional hockey team in Sweden?
TERRENCE: I used to play for an organization
called Team Maryland. During my last year with
them we had a few Swedish people come to our
program and I kept in touch with them through
Facebook. Fredrik, one of the Swedish coaches
from that program, remembered who I was and
got me a spot. Of course I also had to send over
highlight tapes and a resume, but if it wasn’t for
Fredrik I would not be playing. I also received
help and support from Danny Triesler (‘14),
as he told me what he did to get his contract.
Basically, I had to email every European team
and league in existence-- a time consuming
task, but it worked for Danny and it gave me
hope. [BAC Head Hockey] Coach Burke was
there for support. Having him there giving me
encouragement amidst all my doubts kept me in
a stable position to keep maximizing my effort to
play professional hockey.
ALUMNI MAG: How do you like living abroad?
TERRENCE: Adjusting to life in Sweden was
difficult at first, but things seem routine now.
We are six hours ahead of the Eastern Time zone.
Aside from the cost of living, one really great
thing has been that the people of Sweden and my
teammates all speak English and have been very

good with trying to understand my Swedish.
ALUMNI MAG: What’s it like being away from your

friends, family, and the things from home you love?
TERRENCE: I must say that skype, texting, and
phone calls help. But there is nothing like actually
seeing someone in person. There are no Chipotles
or Chick-fil-A’s here, so that is heartbreaking in
itself in terms of food.
ALUMNI MAG: How did playing for BAC contribute to

your current hockey success?
TERRENCE: Playing on the hockey team at BAC
prepared me for this moment in a very different
way than most would think. Yes, scoring goals
and winning is fun, but that is not what prepared
me for Sweden. Playing at BAC humbled me and
showed me how to be an effective leader. Upon
entering BAC I was not the most humble person
you have ever encountered, but over the years that
changed drastically. Once I learned what was needed of me as a student, hockey player, and community member, it was a change that I had to make
for myself. That change is part of the reason why I
am here today, with a big emphasis on humble pie.
Being good at hockey only gets you so far, but if
you want the full support of your teammates and
others then you need to be open to constructive
criticism and thrive from that.

REPORTING BY ANGELLA IRWIN
B RY N AT H Y N A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E

| 17