CHL Mourns the Loss of USA Hockey Executive Jim Johannson
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League is mourning the loss of USA Hockey executive director Jim Johannson who passed away in his sleep at the age of 53 early Sunday morning in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The general manager of the of the 2018 U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team, Johannson was born March 10, 1964, in Rochester, Minnesota and had a life-long career in hockey, becoming one of the most accomplished and respected people in the sport.
We are devastated to announce that USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson passed away early this morning. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family. JJ will be greatly missed, but always remembered for his immensely positive impact both on & off the ice. https://t.co/dOHdw6WjwP pic.twitter.com/lJcHMAuEjY
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 21, 2018
Among the numerous accomplishments during his tenure, the most significant include U.S. teams capturing 64 medals in major international competition, including 34 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze; the launching and implementation of the highly acclaimed American Development Model; and securing USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, as a home for all U.S. teams to utilize.
Johannson played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin from 1982-86 and helped the Badgers capture the NCAA title as a freshman. He was selected by the Hartford Whalers in the 7th round (130th overall) of the 1982 NHL Draft and went on to play 374 games of professional hockey between 1987-94 in the International Hockey League where he registered 279 points, including 119 goals.
He twice played for the U.S. in the Olympic Winter Games (1988, 1992) and was also a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team that participated in the 1992 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
For more information on the life and legacy of Jim Johansson, visit usahockey.com.