Johansen brothers team up for charity
Nashville star and Washington prospect hold golf tournament to benefit hometown hospital
Ryan and Lucas Johansen will hit the links this week to help raise some cash. Somewhere down the line, they’re bound to hit the rink with opposing agendas.
The Port Moody brothers have teamed up with the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation for the Ryan and Lucas Johansen Charity Golf Classic, which goes Tuesday at the Swan-e-set Golf and Country Club.
They are bound to be chasing each other around in the winters to come. Ryan, 25, is a front line centre with the Nashville Predators. Lucas, 20, is a defence prospect with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals did use the 28th overall choice in the 2016 NHL Draft to nab his rights, so it’s easy to suggest that the former Kelowna Rockets rearguard has a future with the big club.
The 6-foot-2, 183-pound left-handed shot was with Washington’s AHL Hershey Bears affiliate for his rookie pro campaign this past season, and produced six goals and 27 points in 74 regular season games.
Ryan had 15 goals and 54 points in 79 regular season games with Nashville, and then the 6-foot-3, 218pound right-handed shot produced five goals and 14 points in 13 playoff games for the Predators.
“It would be pretty exciting to play against Ryan one day. I’m sure our parents would find a way to cheer for both of us,” said Lucas, who has never suited up with or against his brother in an actual game coming through the ranks, thanks to the five years age difference.
“I certainly would not try to get physical with him. He’s a pretty heavy guy. It’s not going to work for me. I’d try to outskate him and outsmart him.”
The hospital foundation has run a golf tournament for 19 years and raised $2.5 million via it. They’ve paired up with the brothers and rebranded the event in hopes of increasing its profile.
Lucas says that there are hopes to have more hockey talent on hand Tuesday. The brothers are shooting for maybe a Vancouver Canuck or two to be there, along with other locally based NHLers.
There’s a one-hour autograph signing, starting at 10 a.m., and it’s targeted for youth and kids.
“It’s tough to get guys to confirm. It’s the off-season and it flies by pretty quick. But we’ll get some people there. And if fans want to bring some pucks and sticks to get signed, there will be guys there,” said Lucas.
All funds will be raised in support of Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation (ERHF), a financial arm of the Eagle Ridge Hospital (ERH) and will directly support hospital initiatives, facilities and medical equipment. This year’s tournament will involve over 270 golfers from across the greater Vancouver area.
“It’s our home hospital. It feels right to give back to them. They do so many good things for so many good people,” said Lucas. “And it’s great to do something with Ryan. We spend so much time apart during the season.”