Wyatt Johnston Excels in French Language Skills Despite Texas Setting

Wyatt Johnston is not only standing out in the playoffs for his exceptional performance leading the Dallas Stars in goals but also impressing with his French language skills, especially in a Texan setting.

Prior to the crucial game against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round, the Toronto-born forward gave an interview in French to TVA Sports, surprising even the Stars’ communications director, who was unaware of his French language abilities.

«My mother was impressed, and so were my brother and sister,» he said with a smile during an interview with LNH.com. «I think I did a pretty good job. I let slip a few English words here and there. It’s challenging because I don’t use my French much anymore.»

Opportunities to practice his French are scarce in the heart of Texas, but the presence of fellow Quebecois players like Mavrik Bourque and Rémi Poirier in the Stars’ environment has given him more chances to exercise his language skills.

Bourque confirmed knowing about Johnston’s French abilities before he showcased them on the French broadcaster, TVA Sports. «Sometimes, I speak to my mother in French just to practice and see how I’m doing,» Johnston mentioned. «I want to keep this knowledge. I don’t want to lose it even though it’s not easy.»

Johnston’s mother, Margot Fulcher, grew up in Mont-Saint-Hilaire near Montreal and though she spoke English at home, she and her siblings are fully bilingual. Amidst living in Ontario after meeting her husband while studying in Waterloo, she was keen on instilling French in Wyatt, his brother Austin, and sister Quinn, all born in Toronto, due to their maternal Quebec roots.

All three children participated in the French immersion program from grades one to eight, learning all subjects in French. They also spent time in Estrie during their youth as their grandparents resided in Knowlton until recently.

«Everyone has been gravitating towards Toronto in recent years,» he reflected. «I miss it. My grandparents had a lakeside cottage at Lac Memphrémagog, in Austin, and we used to ski at Mont Owl’s Head in the winter. I loved it; it was fantastic.»