Matt was born in Bethesda, Maryland. Being from an U.S. Air Force family, he moved around a lot. He started playing hockey when he was 8 years old for the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks in O’Fallon, IL. His family then moved to Warner Robbins, Georgia where he played for the Columbus Jr. Cottonmouths (SAHA). After 4 years in GA, they moved to Destin, Florida. For the next 2 years, Johnson would travel to Birmingham, Alabama to play with the closest ice hockey team, the Birmingham Bulls (SAHA), before the family made their final move to Monument, Colorado.
His first 2 years in CO, he played 16U A for the Colorado Rampage (CAHA), the Lewis-Palmer High School Rangers (CHSAA) and the Front Range Rangers (HPHL), where his team won back to back state championships.
The fall of his senior year, he was named captain of a high school fall league team. The team qualified for state and during the championship game Johnson scored the winning goal in a shootout. After that, he was named assistant captain for the Lewis-Palmer Rangers for his senior season.
“Matthew will provide us with good size and ability on the offensive end. His physical presence and hard shot will be an asset for us this season. We’re very excited to have him on the team. ,” Men’s Division 2 Head Coach Nick Fornelius said.
Johnson is planning on studying Criminology at the U.
Utah Hockey would like to welcome Matt and wish him the absolute best in the upcoming season.