ICYMI: NHL superstars react to the death of USA Olympic GM

In case you missed it, 2018 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey GM Jim Johannson unexpectedly passed away earlier today at just 53 years of age.

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

“We are beyond shocked and profoundly saddened,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “As accomplished as Jim was in hockey, he was the absolute best, most humble, kind and caring person you could ever hope to meet. His impact on our sport and more importantly the people and players in our sport have been immeasurable. Our condolences go out to his entire family, but especially to his loving wife Abby and their young daughter Ellie.”

Johnnson was a two-time Olympic athlete himself, having played for the U.S. in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympic Games. Johannson was set to lead his country into the Olympics again next month as the team’s GM. In a statement from earlier this month, it was clear that Johannson was excited for the upcoming games:

“I’ve had a lot of fun at USA Hockey but one of the most fun days I’ve had was calling fifteen or sixteen guys early one morning from my house to tell them they were on the 2018 Olympic team. And the second time was telling the last few guys that they made the team. It meant so much to me that I got to call those guys and tell them that they were going to represent us. I know how much it meant to those players at this point in their careers. I know they will represent us well.”

Today, USA Hockey players from across the NHL have reached out on social media to express their shock and sadness at Johannson’s sudden passing.

We lost a true friend in Jim Johannson today.

He was so compassionate and as loyal a friend as you could have. He was the ultimate teammate.

I am deeply saddened and shocked and sorry that he is no longer with us.

He was a special human being. pic.twitter.com/vGAR4ZTFu2
— Coach Tony Granato (@TonyGranato) January 21, 2018

It has been a very difficult day attempting to process the the news of the sudden passing of Jim Johannson. Personally, JJ was a mentor and and friend that had a significant impact on me as a hockey player and a person.

JJ was the glue of USA Hockey. His presence spoke
— Jack Eichel (@Jackeichel15) January 21, 2018

volumes as other USA Hockey family members can attest. His passion for the many teams and his players was beyond comparison in the sport. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughter, and relatives
— Jack Eichel (@Jackeichel15) January 21, 2018

Shocked and saddened this morning hearing of the passing of Jim Johannson. You will truly be missed at USA Hockey and throughout the hockey world. Thank you JJ for giving me the opportunity to live out a dream of mine. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
— Brady Skjei (@BradySkjei) January 21, 2018

Thanks for your friendship and leadership as you always lead @usahockey with your heart and soul! You will truly be missed Jim Johannson
— Justin Abdelkader (@justinabss) January 21, 2018

JJ helped provide a lot of my fondest memories in this game. USA hockey is always a privilege to be a part of and that began with the tone set by people at the top. I wish Jim Johannson’s family peace in coping with their loss of a loved one. Tim Taylor also comes to mind now.
— Connor Carrick (@connorcarrick) January 21, 2018

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Johannson. JJ was the engine of USA Hockey and made every national team experience of mine incredibly memorable. Sincere condolences to his family and all of USA Hockey. https://t.co/lvwh891lpX
— Blake Wheeler (@BiggieFunke) January 21, 2018

RIP, Jim Johannson. There are few who have given as much to USA Hockey as you have. It was a life well lived and your impact on the game cannot be overstated.

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