LGR 293: Built for the Moment with Michigan Goalie Elizabeth Johnson

Michigan freshman goalie Elizabeth Johnson joins the show to talk about how getting pelted by her older brother's friends in street hockey turned her into a fearless shot-stopper. 

We get into her journey from Concord, New Hampshire to Ann Arbor — including the recruiting summer she calls one of the best experiences of her life, bonding with her dad on road trips to tournaments across the country.

EJ breaks down the mental side of starting as a freshman in a D1 program, why she writes a list of affirmations before every game, and how repeating "I'm built for this" carried her through double overtime against BC. 

She shares what she's learned training with Goaliesmith and working one-on-one with grad assistant Erin O'Grady (aka Obi-Wan Kenobi), including the biggest adjustment to her college game — playing smarter angles and creating lateral momentum to get behind faster shots.

We also get into baiting shooters, why she practices with her stick in the wrong hand just to test her explosion, the importance of building relationships with your defense off the field, and why she'll never take off the sweatpants in goal.

Key Topics:

• Street hockey origin story with older brother
• Affirmations and positive self-talk in games
• Double OT mindset against BC
• Adjusting arcs and angles for the college game
• Training with Goaliesmith
• Mentorship from Aaron O'Grady and Shay Dolce
• Baiting techniques and practicing new skills pressure-free
• Recruiting journey and why she chose Michigan
• Building trust with your defense through relationships