By Phillip Brents

CHULA VISTA, Jan. 25, 2002 -- Defying the odds only applies when something appears unattainable, unreachable.

That certainly doesn’t apply to Eastlake High freshman Patrick Johnson, who just likes to be thought of as another member of the school’s roller hockey team.

“He’s the man,” said teammate Erick Gallardo, who has known Johnson since childhood.

Johnson’s right arm ends just below his elbow. It’s a congenital defect. He has had to adapt to everyday life accordingly. Everyday life includes sports.

Johnson said he doesn’t consider what most would consider a physical handicap to be a deterrent to following his dream. “I just keep a positive attitude,” he said. “It’s fun.”

While others may have conceded defeat to any physical shortcomings, this remarkable young man has adapted to fit the circumstances, discovering that necessity is indeed the mother of invention. An AP honors student who has an interest in engineering, Johnson considers stick-handling among his playing strengths. He carries his stick over the incomplete limb, using his left hand to swing it.

In the Titans’ first 11 games, he had four goals and six assists to his credit. He said scoring his first high school goal in a game earlier this season against South-west ranks among his most enjoyable moments this season.

Eastlake coach Jeff Mechling said any initial reservations he had about Johnson quickly dissipated.

“He’s never let anything get in his way. He’s responded very well. He’s improved his skills. He’s a very good player for us,” Mechling said. “When he first came out for the team, I was concerned about some limitations in his ability to hold the stick properly. He’s learned to adapt to the point where you don’t even notice it. I have the same expectations of him as any other player.”

Johnson’s playing ability has been honed by years of adaptation. He has played youth roller hockey, both with the ball and the puck, since the fourth grade and excelled at it. He won a championship in the 9 to 11 age division in house league play at Chula Vista RollerSkateLand.

Mechling has no qualms about playing Johnson in critical game situations, even sending the freshman out to kill penalties.

“He’s never given up. He works hard. He never lets up,” Gallardo said. “He doesn’t let guys push him around. He’s a team player.”

“He’s done his job,” said Titans goalie Azuma Franklin.

Johnson gravitated toward hockey because of its fast-paced nature. He follows ice hockey on television — his favorite NHL team is the Dallas Stars — and also attends West Coast Hockey League San Diego Gulls’ games at the Sports Arena.

His personal goals are the same as those of any of his teammates. “I just want to play to the best of my ability and not hold anything back,” he said.