By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune | 03/15/19, 3:45PM CDT

Eric Johnson led the Skippers for 14 seasons and
oversaw three Class 2A state championship teams.

Eric Johnson took his first high school varsity head coaching job in 2005 with the Minnetonka girls’ program.

“I knew there was an awesome crop of players coming up and that the program had a strong future,” he said.

Johnson made the most of the talent spike, guiding the Skippers to five Class 2A state tournaments and three consecutive championships (2011-13). Standout players in that era included Sydney Baldwin, Julie Friend, Sidney Morin, Presley Norby, Amy Peterson, Rachel Ramsey and Sydney Rossman.

Johnson stepped down last week after 14 seasons citing a desire to spend more nights and weekends with his wife and three hockey-playing sons.

“I always took it year-by-year and I saw myself coaching maybe five years or at most 10 years,” Johnson said. “I never expected to go 14 years.”

Johnson, a 1991 graduate of Armstrong High School who played hockey at St. Cloud State, said he plans to remain involved in the Minnetonka youth coaching ranks.

“It’s been all good,” Johnson said of the feedback regarding his departure. “People have said it’s a great decision and thanked me for my time with the program. I don’t see it as goodbye. I’ll still be around.”

Minnetonka returned to the state tournament this season after a four-year absence.

“Was it important to end my time on an uptick? Not as much as the fact that the youth program remains strong,” Johnson said. “There are 275 girls playing youth hockey in Minnetonka. It’s not a matter of if they go to state, it’s a matter of when.

“The future still looks great,” Johnson said.

Link to Full Article

Tonka vs Andover Third Place Game, Photos by Rick Olson (RickOlson77)

Tonka vs Edina Semi-Final, Photos by Rick Olson (RickOlson77)

Tonka vs Maple Grove Quarter Finals, Photos by Rick Olson (RickOlson77)

Minnetonka beats Eden Prairie 3-1 to Capture Section 2AA Championship.
The Girls are headed to Xcel Energy Center on Thursday for the State Quarterfinal games!

Click the image below to get the Skippers App

This game is destine to be a Holiday Classic Event.
Join us for an entertaining matinee Hockey Game on
New Years Eve
and help the Tonka Girls & Boys Hockey Teams
support our Local Food Shelves.
Admission is FREE! 
Please bring  non-perishable food item(s) to donate.
Check and Cash donations are also accepted.
Monday, December 31 - 12:30-2:00 PM
Pagel Arena

Come early and watch the
Tonka Girls/Boys Charity Coed Game
to benefit Local Food Shelves.
Immediately following the Charity Game
MYHA Girls can 
Skate with the Skippers
Monday, December 31 - 2:00-3:00 PM
Pagel Arena