Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey, is serving as the general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team for the ninth consecutive year. Johannson, who is also fulfilling the same role for the 2018 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, a year ago guided Team USA to its fourth-ever gold medal at the international Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship with a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory over Canada at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship in Montreal and Toronto, Canada.
Under Johannson’s guidance, the United States has captured five other medals in tournament play, including a pair of gold medal finishes at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ufa, Russia, and the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship in Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He also led the U.S. to bronze medals at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki, Finland, the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, New York and the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship in Leksand and Mora, Sweden.
The lead administrator in hosting the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Johannson has served on the staff of 17 U.S. National Junior Teams. He was the team leader for the first-ever gold medal-winning U.S. National Junior Team at the 2004 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland.
A two-time U.S. Olympian (1988, 1992), Johannson brings extensive experience in international ice hockey both as a player and administrator. Johannson’s role with this year’s Olympic team marks his fourth consecutive stint as a member of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team staff. In 2014, he held the title of assistant executive director of hockey operations after being part of the management team for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team that won the silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition, he served as the senior director of hockey operations for Team USA at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, and was the team leader for the silver medal-winning 2002 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally, Johannson served as the director of hockey operations for the 2016 U.S. World Cup of Hockey Team.
The 2017 U.S. Men's National Team marked Johannson's 19th consecutive stint as a member of its staff. Recently, he has helped Team USA claim a pair of bronze medals with the 2015 and 2013 squads in Ostrava, Czech Republic and Stockholm, Sweden, respectively. He was previously part of the staff at the IIHF Men’s World Championship for six years as team leader (1999-2004), two as assistant general manager (2005-06), one as senior director of hockey operations (2007) and six as assistant executive director of hockey operations (2008-14).
A full-time employee of USA Hockey, Johannson joined the organization on September 1, 2000, as manager of international activities and U.S. Olympic Committee relations. He was promoted to senior director of hockey operations, a newly created position, on August 5, 2003. On June 25, 2007, Johannson was elevated to assistant executive director of hockey operations. He is responsible for the day-to-day management and integration of all in-sport related initiatives. He handles USA Hockey representation in obtaining players and coaches for national teams in international competition. In addition, Johannson interfaces with the USOC on matters of mutual interest.
A former U.S. Men’s National Team member, Johannson spent five years (1995-2000) as the general manager of the Twin Cities Vulcans, a Junior A team in the United States Hockey League. Under his guidance, the Vulcans captured the 2000 USA Hockey Junior A National Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Johannson, a native of Rochester, Minnesota, played nine seasons in the International Hockey League, splitting time among three teams. Prior to embarking on his professional career, Johannson played at the University of Wisconsin, where he helped the Badgers capture the 1983 NCAA Division I national championship.