Johannson 'a great ambassador for USA Hockey,' Kane says

CHICAGO -- When Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane reflects on his time with USA Hockey's Under-17 and Under-18 teams, he remembers how assistant executive director of operations Jim Johannson kept those teams informed.
"He'd set up little newspapers in the morning and throw them under your door, tell you what's on tap for the day, quote of the day, different things like that. A lot of cool things," Kane said of Johannson, who died on Sunday at age 53. "Such a great ambassador for USA Hockey. It's terrible because you think of where he was at; he was so young and you thought he'd be doing this for a long time. It's just really sad."

Forwards Brandon Saad and Nick Schmaltz remember Johannson from their time playing for the U.S. at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
"He was such a great guy and did so much for USA Hockey," Schmaltz said. "Thoughts and prayers are with his family."
"You'd see him around, you'd talk to him a little bit," Saad said. "I know other guys were closer to him but regardless, it's definitely a sad day."
Kane first met Johannson during an Under-17 tournament. He remained close with him, admiring how Johannson could juggle so many responsibilities with USA Hockey.
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"He worked so hard, had so many different things he had to do, whether it was setting up who was playing for the team, travel, hotels, he did so many great things and obviously was a great GM for USA hockey, too," Kane said. "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 and you just wanted to be part of a potential winning team."
Kane is long past those days of getting Johansson's motivational messages under his door, but the impact Johansson made on him and USA Hockey will stay with him.
"I mean, you look at what's been going on with our team and different things and the struggles we've had, and it puts things in perspective when someone that young passes away," Kane said. "I really liked JJ. I thought he was a great ambassador for USA Hockey, a great man."