Johannson's passing leaves massive void for USA Hockey

ST. PAUL -- News of the sudden death of USA Hockey's Jim Johannson hit several members of the Wild hard Sunday afternoon.
Johannson, the general manager of USA Hockey and a former U.S. Olympian himself, has been instrumental in selecting several Olympic teams and in the growth of the organization for nearly two decades.

"It's awful. JJ was a great person. He did so much for me personally in my career and for so many others," said Wild defenseman Ryan Suter. "He helped develop USA Hockey into what it is now. It's absolutely awful. I feel so sad for his wife and his daughter. It's a sad time for USA Hockey."
According to a USA Hockey statement, Johannson passed away in his sleep early Sunday morning. He was 53.
Suter, celebrating his 33rd birthday Sunday, said he's known Johannson since he was about 10 years old. Like Suter, Johannson played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, and before that, was around him in Ann Arbor, Michigan in conjunction with the U.S. development program, which was based there before relocating to Plymouth, Michigan.

"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," Suter said. "He helped a lot of young players get to where they are and helped kids grow up to be who they are. His legacy will live on forever because of everything he did for USA Hockey."
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Johannson today," Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher said in a statement. "His passion for hockey was extraordinary, and he worked tirelessly to grow the game in the United States. Jim was a remarkable hockey ambassador who will be greatly missed here in the State of Hockey and throughout the hockey world. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless others in the hockey community with whom he made a special connection."
A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Johannson helped the Badgers to a national championship as a freshman in 1982 and played on the U.S. Olympic teams in both 1988 and 1992. He was hired by USA Hockey in 2000, working many different roles in the time since.
"He was always the guy on the international tournaments, the World Juniors, the Olympics. He was everything with USA Hockey," said Wild forward Zach Parise. "When we had meetings before the Olympics with small groups, he was everywhere. He was always there organizing, doing all the logistics, doing everything. He was a big part of that group."

Johannson helped select the current U.S. Olympic team that will aim for gold in South Korea next month, and he's also played crucial roles at all levels of USA Hockey. During his time, the U.S. has become an annual medal contender at the World Junior Championships.
The United States took bronze at the most recent World Juniors last month, its third consecutive year taking home a medal.
Since 2000, the U.S. has won 34 gold medals, 19 silver and 11 bronze in various worldwide tournaments.
"He was the guy that called. He's the one that makes the phone call to every guy and tells them that they're invited to the summer evaluation camp and things like that," said Wild forward Jason Zucker. "He's the guy that makes those phone calls so he's talked to every guy that's ever played. He runs the whole thing.
"It was terrible news. JJ was a great guy. He did a lot for USA Hockey. He was a very integral part of USA Hockey making the big jump."
Minnesota Hockey issued the following statement Sunday, as well, regarding Johannson's passing:
"Jim went from starring in youth and high school hockey in Rochester, Minnesota to becoming a great Olympian and one of the most respected voices in the game of hockey. Beyond his hockey accomplishments on and off the ice, Jim was a caring and compassionate man who will be fondly remembered by all of us in the State of Hockey."
Related:
- Wild issues statement on Johannson's passing - Watch: Wild players reflect on Johannson's life