USA Hockey Assistant Exec Dir of Hockey Operations JIM JOHANNSON yesterday "died unexpectedly" at age 53, "shocking the sport less than three weeks before the start of the Pyeongchang Games," according to Stephen Whyno of the AP. USA Hockey said that Johannson, GM of the U.S. men's team, "died in his sleep at his home in Colorado Springs." His death came in the "midst of the most high-profile role in his career: putting together the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team without NHL players." It is "unclear who would be in charge of choosing any potential injury replacements if needed." Johannson, who played for the U.S. at the '88 Calgary Games and '92 Albertville Games, began "working for USA Hockey" in '00. USAH Exec Dir PAT KELLEHER said that the NGB would think about ways to "pay tribute to Johannson" in Pyeongchang (AP, 1/21). Kelleher: "He had his finger on the pulse of everything that was going on in the hockey world." He added, "Johannson was USA Hockey to most of the world. All the hockey federations in the world turned to Jimmy. The hole he left is so wide that it is hard to come to grips with" (USA TODAY, 1/22). Wild D RYAN SUTER said, "He represented USA Hockey so well with everything and he had his hand in everything. He was just a workhorse and loved what he did" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 1/22).
MAN OF MANY HATS: THE ATHLETIC's Craig Custance noted Flames President of Hockey Operations and former Team USA GM BRIAN BURKE and Devils GM RAY SHERO yesterday had a phone conversation about Johannson and they "marveled at how many people USA Hockey was going to have to hire in order to replace one guy." Johannson had his "hands in everything, from growing the game at a grass-roots level to representing the country at all the different federation meetings around the world" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/21). In Buffalo, Amy Moritz notes in addition to his current role, Johannson was the GM of many of USA Hockey's men's national teams, including the national junior team that "most recently won bronze at the World Junior Championship in Buffalo" (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/22). The GLOBE & MAIL's David Shoalts writes Johannson was "never front and centre when the trophies and medals were handed out to various U.S. international teams over the years," but he was the "architect of dozens of medal-winning squads" (GLOBE & MAIL, 1/22).
TWITTER TRIBUTES: USA Hockey and Wisconsin coach Tony Granato tweeted, "We lost a true friend in Jim Johannson. ... He was the ultimate teammate." Sabres co-Owner Kim Pegula: "We are reminded what a good person he was, and what he meant to USA Hockey and hockey worldwide." NBC Sports' Jeremy Roenick: "I’ve been friends with him since I was 14 years old. He was such a great man that had a huge impact on USA Hockey." Red Wings LW Justin Abdelkader: "Thanks for your friendship and leadership as you always lead @usahockey with your heart and soul! You will truly be missed." ESPN's Chris Peters: "Anybody that knew JJ knew his passion for the game, but above all he cared about the people in it. Especially the players. This is just devastating." Hockey East reporter Catherine Bogart: "I couldn't have asked for a better mentor and supporter. Truly a devastating loss."
