Colorado Avalanche D Jack Johnson earns degree from Michigan after 18 years

DENVER — Jack Johnson is having the spring of his life — on and off the ice.

Colorado's veteran defenseman waited 16 years to finally be playing in the Stanley Cup Final, which the Avalanche lead 1-0 over Tampa Bay heading into Saturday's Game 2.

At the same time, Johnson realized another childhood dream of graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in general studies.

It was a long — and somewhat ironic — road to both achievements. Johnson was drawn towards an education thinking he'd never make it in pro hockey. Turns out, Johnson would reach the pinnacle of both personal and professional success at the same time.

«What did it take me, 18 years [to finish]? Most people are at least a doctor at that point,» Johnson joked. «As a little kid, I never really thought I'd be good enough to play in the NHL. I grew up dreaming of playing college hockey at Michigan, I wanted to graduate from there. It meant a lot to me. [To] graduate, [I'm] pretty proud of that.»

Despite his early doubts about a potential NHL future, Johnson was drafted third overall by Carolina in 2005. Instead of immediately turning pro, the Indiana native opted to spend the next two years playing for legendary coach Red Berenson at Michigan.

«I wasn't going to pass up that opportunity at any point,» Johnson said. «And then after my freshman year, I just didn't think I was physically ready enough for the NHL. I wanted to enjoy another year at the University of Michigan. To be quite honest, I wasn't ready to leave a major university to play in the minors. I had the time of my life there and I don't regret it one bit.»

Johnson didn't depart for the NHL in 2007 without making a final pledge.

«I made a promise to Red Berenson that I was going to