Hockey world mourns loss of Jim Johannson

The hockey world lost an icon Sunday, as longtime USA Hockey executive Jim Johannson died unexpectedly at 53.

Players, teams, and media members alike expressed their condolences upon learning the news.

Shocked and Deeply saddened by this news. JJ gave me the opportunity to represent USA and I’ll always be thankful to him for that. His fun loving personality was infectious. He went above and beyond to make the USA hockey experience so unforgettable. He will be missed by so many! https://t.co/bQrbSGxNgx
— Charlie McAvoy (@CMcAvoy44) January 21, 2018

It was an absolute pleasure to work with JJ. Truly one of the best in the business. Thoughts and prays to his fam. https://t.co/C6dj33hdLL
— Ryan Callahan (@TheRealCally24) January 21, 2018

I, like so many others, are very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Jim Johansson of @usahockey We were teammates on Turner Cup winning team in Indy in 1990. A great teammate and person. #RIPJJ
— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) January 21, 2018

Heartbreaking news. JJ was all class. Thoughts and prayers to his family. https://t.co/EFsuLjY0TX
— Erik Johnson (@6ErikJohnson) January 21, 2018

Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of Jim Johannson. He was a part of every US Team I ever played on. A first class person in every way. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. RIP
— John-Michael Liles (@hoosierjm26) January 21, 2018

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 comes with a heavy heart hearing about the passing of my close friend JJ. One of the best leaders of @usahockey who grew our game to new heights! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and he will truly be missed, but his legacy will carry on. It’s a sad day for hockey!
— Phil Housley (@philhousley6) January 21, 2018

Jim Johannson was relentless in his work for USA Hockey. So passionate about the sport and building it in the States. Heartbreaking news: https://t.co/j7560mXbCO
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) January 21, 2018

Awful, awful news from USA Hockey about Jim Johannson, The longtime USA Hockey executive who has passed away at 53. Condolences to Jim’s family and friends. RIP.
Sent with @NHL https://t.co/4WLi3SGGoQ
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) January 21, 2018

Spoke with Johannson just last week. Absolutely radiated pride
reflecting on the calls he had placed to Team USA players, telling them they were picked for the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/lNnQjIKsiC
— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) January 21, 2018

Incredibly sad news from @usahockey: longtime executive and 2018 Olympic men’s GM Jim Johannson has died just weeks before Pyeongchang Games.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 21, 2018

A huge loss for our hockey community today. Sending love and strength to the Johannson family.

RIP, JJ. Thank you for everything. 💙 https://t.co/DujXEaG4M4
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 21, 2018

Our #NYR family sends our condolences to the family and friends of Jim Johannson. https://t.co/cq6Y2ZDzBW
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 21, 2018