Photo cutline: The Johnston and Hayward families have been friends for a few years following a chance meeting between Brady Johnson and Sarah Hayward. The families are front row from left, Sarah Hayward, Amanda Hayward, Lana Johnston and Emma Hayward. Back row from left, Brady, Gary and Faye Johnston.
by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — It was a fun visit while it lasted, but three ‘family-like’ members of Brady Johnston are now in another country.
Three few years ago, Brady began playing hockey in Almhut, Sweden and needed something to do during the day – so, he began teaching at the International School of Almhut. He met Sarah Hayward, who invited him to come to her family’s home.
“I got along with her husband and four kids,” he said adding, “I was their first babysitter.”
Along with Brady learning Swedish, their daughter Emma, who is now 10, learned how to speak English.
To many of those in Sweden, Brady “is THE hockey player,” Sarah said.
Brady played hockey with Muskrats, the Pembroke Lumber Kings and the Gloster Rangers. He played hockey for five years while attending university in North Dakota, and when the opportunity to play in Australia cropped up five years ago, he said yes.
A Canadian who is coaching in Sweden, saw Brady play in North Dakota, called and asked him to play on his team. Brady went for a try-out and after a short while on the ice, the coaches called him in and asked him to sign a contract. He was quite surprised, because he didn’t think the players liked him.
“It takes a long time for people to fit in, but once you do, you find out how loving, caring and hilarious the people really are,” he said.
He is currently the assistant captain of his Sweden team and captain of the team in Australia. He is interviewed on radio and television all the time.
Amanda Hayward added, “People are always coming up to Brady while he’s out and about. He’s like a magnet.”
She added, he always gives people the time, he doesn’t rush them.
Brady met Sarah Hayward met while he was at the international school for an interview. Sarah came upon children climbing all over Brady and they started talking.
“Brady became the most popular teacher because he knew how to interact with the students,” Sarah recalled. “Even for a class party, they went to a hockey game to cheer for Brady.”
Explaining the school, Sarah said it was started by Ikea, because its people travel throughout the world. There are 33 international schools operated by Ikea and the curriculum is identical so that when students relocate, there is no concern about which grade they should be placed in, she continued.
In Brady’s class, there are 18 students who speak 10 different languages and are from 12 countries.
Over the next few years, Brady spent much time with the Hayward family.
“It’s nice to have actual family events,” Brady said.
Explaining, he said he spends a lot of time with 20- to 30-year-old hockey players, so spending time with a family fills a gap.
When Brady’s mom and dad, Gary and Faye Johnston, and sister, Lana, came for a visit, the Hayward’s weren’t about to let them all stay in his tiny apartment. They were house-sitting for a family who was away, and after checking with them, the Micks were set up in a large home.
A surprise 30th birthday party was even planned for Brady – all via facebook.
Last year, Markus Hayward came for a visit and this year, it was the girls’ visit, with mom Sarah, and daughters Emma and Amanda.
For seven days they were busy — spending time at Logos Land, rafting at Wilderness Tours, enjoying food and beverages at Lakeside Brewery in Cobden, a day in Ottawa, and even touring the areas where Brady spent his years growing up; trying poutine and maple syrup and enjoying lots of barbeques. They even spent time with the Johnston and Mick families.
“We’ve met so many people,” Sarah said. “Emma hit it off with the young kids. She enjoyed rope swinging.”
She said the full day of rafting at Wilderness Tours “was amazing.”
While in Cobden, Sarah even donated books to the Book Tree, which is located in front of the Whitewater Region municipal hall.
Amanda, 21, said the week has been fantastic.
“I got to experience what Canada is all about,” she said. “I was happy there was no extreme heat.”
While there were many experiences, Amanda said the best part “was meeting Brady’s family. Seeing his life. I’ve heard all about it. Now we’re like one big family.”
The only disappointment was she did not get to see a bear.
There are differences between Sweden and this area, such as there are no chipmunks or groundhogs in Sweden; and no ospreys.
Ten-year-old Emma is Brady’s biggest fan and was quite happy to cuddle up with his cat and sleep in his childhood bed.
But, like all good things, this trip has come to an end for these two families who are like one. The Haywards recently continued their journey – and are now in New York.
