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Yesterday, the hockey world lost Jim Johannson, the USA Olympic men’s hockey General Manager. The 53-year-old died in his sleep. Players, colleagues, and fans took to social media to mourn and express gratitude for his years in the industry.
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 lost a true friend in Jim Johannson today.
— Coach Tony Granato (@TonyGranato) January 21, 2018
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
Commissioner Bettman statement on the passing of USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson. https://t.co/6KvQSIAuZy pic.twitter.com/Opreb92sMu
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 21, 2018
Spoke to Jim Johannson recently about putting together this year's Olympic team. It was a process he loved. Best part was being able to tell these guys their Olympic dream was coming true: "I had two of the most fun days I've ever had at USA Hockey."
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) 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
Jim Johannson was an amazing person. JJ was synonymous with USA Hockey and its leadership. My condolences to his family. You will be missed but not forgotten. Rest In Peace
— Kyle Okposo (@bookerT2116) 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.
— Jack Eichel (@Jackeichel15) January 21, 2018
JJ was the glue of USA Hockey. His presence spoke
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
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
I am saddened by the news of the loss of USA Hockey's Jim Johannson. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family!
— Brianna Decker (@Bdecker14) January 21, 2018
"He represented @USAHockey so well...He was just a workhorse and loved what he did." — Ryan Suter on Jim Johannson.
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 21, 2018
More from Zach Parise, Jason Zucker and Suter. pic.twitter.com/LHxxockfOM
I am deeply saddened by the passing of JJ. @usahockey and the entire hockey community lost an incredible friend & ambassador today. Thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.
— Joe Pavelski (@jpav8) January 21, 2018
You can read more about Johannson below, along with Sharks news and notes from around the web.
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Sharks dominate Ducks for two wins in two nights | NBCS Bay Area
The Sharks ended a back-to-back with the best way possible as they fired away all night long on the Ducks Sunday in Anaheim. -
Sharks take risk as Dell draws Ducks on second night of a back-to-back | NBCS Bay Area
Aaron Dell last started two games in two days on April 29, 2016. Dell, then the starter with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, manned the net in Game 4 of the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. -
Sharks' Dell fuels a goaltending controversy in San Jose
Aaron Dell played like a No. 1 goalie in the Sharks win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. -
NHL: San Jose Sharks keep it rolling, top Anaheim Ducks 6-2
Mikkel Boedker had two goals and an assist and Joe Thornton and Marc-Edouard Vlasic each had a goal and an assist as the Sharks improved to 5-1 in a stretch that has seen them play six times in nine days. -
Letter: Thanks to Rusanowsky for building Sharks fan base
Congrats on 2,000 games, Dan. -
NHL: Joakim Ryan gets message from San Jose Sharks coaches
In the last four games, the Brent Burns-Joakim Ryan pair has only been on the ice for two even strength goals.
Here’s the blood in the water from the rest of the league:
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Jim Johannson, General Manager of U.S. Men’s Hockey Team, Dies at 53 - The New York Times
Johannson selected the American team that will compete at the Pyeongchang Olympics, which begin in less than three weeks. -
NHL - Why the Boston Bruins are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender
Coming into the season, Boston's contention window appeared to be tightly shut. Instead, not only are the Bruins competitive, but they're also making a case as the East's top team behind the Lightning. Here's how they've done it, and what comes next. -
No-NHL 2018 Olympics makes for unique preparation strategies - The Salt Lake Tribune
Preparation under a new coach, learning the nuances and habits of new teammates are certainly key, but every men's hockey team going to South Korea is in a much different situation from any previous Olympics. -
NHL - Re-grading every team's offseason ahead of 2017-19 season
This is basically an "incomplete" because the Sharks didn't really do much of anything in the offseason, other than welcome the soft bushy beard of Joe Thornton back for another season and opt not to give Patrick Marleau a three-year contract. So ... congrats? -
Golden Knights grab NHL's best record with win over Hurricanes
The expansion team beat the Hurricanes 5-1 on Sunday to jump a point ahead of the idle Lightning. -
Without NHL players, Olympic hockey tournament is “wide open” – The Denver Post
Goodbye, NHL players. Hello, unpredictability. No NHL participation for the first time since 1994 threatens to upset the traditional world hockey order. -
Willie O’Ree’s little-known journey to break the NHL’s color barrier | Salon
On Jan. 18, 1958, O’Ree — a 22-year-old forward from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada — became the first black person to play in a National Hockey League game.