Sheffield Steelers’ Aaron Johnson gets balance right on and off the ice

For the last two years, the Sheffield Steelers’ defenceman has been studying for an MBA in Business Administration at the University of Sheffield, a key part of the two-year deal that helped former head coach Paul Thompson bring him to South Yorkshire back in the summer of 2018.

It is an incentive the club has regularly used to entice players over to the Elite League, paying for an education that can enhance job prospects once their playing days are eventually over.

But, even though at the age of 37 he enjoys ‘veteran’ status, Johnson has no intention of hanging up his skates and is keen to return for a third season with the Steelers.

The arrival of the coronavirus pandemic not only brought about an early end to the 2019-20 Elite League season for Johnson and the Steelers, it also impacted heavily on educational establishments, wreaking havoc on students being able to continue or complete their studies.

But whenever the former Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks defenceman is finally able to bring his two-year course to a close, he knows the hard work will have been worth it.

“I’m getting so close with the MBA,” said Johnson, now back home in Dallas, Texas with his family. “It should come to a conclusion this summer but it remains up in the air as to when exactly.

“I’ve got some assignments and a dissertation due and we’re trying to figure out what is expected and when. Hopefully, come September, it will all be finished but, understandably, people have more important things to worry about at the minute.”

Johnson’s workload increased even more at the start of his second season when he was made assistant coach by Steelers head coach and GM, Aaron Fox.

Two separate breaks to the same finger meant his ice time was restricted to just 23 games in all, but in between his recovery process, coaching and studying, there was still little let-up.

Johnson is clear he wants to remain in the sport whenever he does call time on his illustrious playing career and his degree could prove useful, whether that future ends up being behind the bench or front office management.

“It’s been enjoyable to do and it was one of the reasons why I wanted to come over to the UK,” added Johnson. “It’s been awesome, it’s been challenging and I’ve learned a lot.

“When you get here, you get to classes and you’re right in the middle of it. It is not just a case of going to a couple of classes, it’s quite intense and you really have to bear down.

“It is a challenge to balance the hockey and the school, but it was such a great opportunity and I’m so glad I’ve done it. But, at the same time, I’m also glad I’m almost finished doing it.”

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