Like everyone else in the hockey world, we are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our teammate, colleague and good friend, Jim Johannson, who worked for USA Hockey for 17 years. There are really no words to describe the tremendous loss we feel at this moment, so we will let the rest of the hockey world speak for us.
"Jim Johannson was USA Hockey to most of the world. All the hockey federations in the world turned to Jimmy. He had his finger on the pulse of everything that was going on in the hockey world."
Pat Kelleher
USA Hockey's Executive Director
"Jim Johannson had a sharp eye for talent, a strong sense of chemistry and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As we mourn his loss, we will remember the positive outlook Jim brought to his tireless efforts to advance USA Hockey."
Gary Bettman
NHL Commissioner
"He was so compassionate and as loyal a friend as you could have. He was the ultimate teammate. He was a special human being."
Tony Granato
2018 U.S. Olympic Team Head Coach
"USA hockey is a world power now because of people like Jimmy Johannson."
Jeremy Roenick
Two-time U.S. Olympian and 20-Year
NHL veteran
"He was totally committed to growing the game in this country and devoted his life to it with great success. The hockey world lost a giant. And, selfishly, I lost a good friend who shared a passion for the game and a zest for life."
Bill Daly
NHL Deputy Commissioner
"USA Hockey lost Mr. USA Hockey."
Keith Tkachuk
U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer
"Jim's positive influence was enormous and will be felt for generations to come. Today, we are a medal contender every time we put a team on the ice for international competition, and he played a major role in helping us get to that point."
Jim Smith
USA Hockey President
"JJ loved USA Hockey, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of every single player who played in the program. Always cheerful with a huge workload. He will be almost impossible to replace."
Brian Burke
Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations
"I've known him since I was probably 10 years old. He helped a lot of young players get to where they are and helped kids grow up to be who they are."
Ryan Suter
Two-time U.S. Olympian and NHL Veteran
"My heart is full of my memories of Jimmy and the laughs we shared. I'm talking to you now-I'm crying in my heart, but I'm smiling in my face. Because he always brought a smile to my face."
Stan Wong
Long-Time U.S. National and Olympic
Team Trainer
"Our sport was so lucky to have him. He was as good of a person you'll meet and he played such a significant role in helping move our sport forward."
Ron DeGregorio
USA Hockey Chairman of the Board
"Today I lost a roommate, a teammate, a colleague and a great friend. One of my saddest days in a very long time as tears just keep rolling down my face. His presence in our sport will never be replaced and he will never be forgotten for all that he did.
Peter Laviolette
1988 U.S. Olympic teammate and Head Coach of the Nashville Predators
"Behind the scenes, he was the face of USA Hockey. Every single guy who's gone through that system or played any level at USA Hockey has a great relationship with JJ, and everything that he did. He helped a ton of guys' careers, whether getting into college or professional."
Blake Wheeler
Winnipeg Jets
"I am just one of the many people he impacted in a positive way in hockey and, more importantly, in life. I'm forever thankful to have known him and I will miss him dearly."
Ray Shero
N.J. Devils General Manager
"One of the best leaders of USA Hockey who grew our game to new heights. He will truly be missed, but his legacy will carry on. It's a sad day for hockey."
Phil Housley
Buffalo Sabres Head Coach
"He's one of those guys you always wanted to play well and do well for because he always cared so much about USA Hockey."
Patrick Kane
Two-time U.S. Olympian and Chicago Blackhawks Star
"When I think about JJ, certainly work ethic, perseverance, caring and knowledge come to mind. But what really stands at the forefront is that he possessed the most unique of all human qualities in that he was not happy unless everyone else was happy."
Dean Lombardi
Long-time NHL General Manager