As the Columbus Mavericks prepared for their 2021-22 Home Opener, they were expecting a routine week of practice; however, the team got a little surprise when they walked into their dressing room on Thursday morning. While most things were in their usual place, there was a new name plate on the corner stall that read "Jack Johnson". As the chatter in the room picked up, the veteran NHL defenseman walked through the door, set down his bag, and started getting ready for the morning skate.

Johnson had been in Columbus preparing for the upcoming NHL season, when Mavericks Head Coach and General Manager, Nate Handrahan, extended an invitation to join the Mavs for practice. “Any time you can have someone with as much experience and character as Jack around our guys it’s a great thing. He’s played a 1000 NHL game and that’s not by accident. It was great to have him, even for a day, and for our guys to see how a true pro does it,” Handrahan noted. “We are grateful to be a part of his journey to crack another NHL lineup in Colorado and he’s certainly welcome any time!”

The Mavericks kick off their season this Friday as they take on Great Lakes division newcomers, the Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones at 7:30 PM.