Jim Johannson, longtime Team USA executive and architect behind this year’s 2018 Team USA men’s Olympic team passed away this morning in his sleep at his home in Colorado Springs, USA Hockey announced. Johannson, the assistant executive director of USA Hockey and the general manager of the U.S. Olympic team, was 53 and was one of the most respected people in the sport of hockey.

“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.”

Johannson came to USA Hockey in 2000 when he was hired as a manager of international activities and U.S. Olympic Committee relations. He was promoted three years later to senior director of hockey operations. In 2007, he assumed his current title of assistant executive director of hockey operations where he oversaw all in-sport related initiatives, which included choosing the personnel of teams on the field of play for international competitions.

During his tenure, Johannson helped Team USA capture 64 medals in major international competitions, including 34 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze. He was also responsible for the launching of the highly acclaimed American Development Model and securing USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan as the home for all U.S. teams to use.

As a player, Johannson played for the University of Wisconsin from 1982 to 1986, winning a national title in his freshman year. He was drafted in the seventh round by the Hartford Whalers in 1982 and 374 games in the NHL. He played for Team USA in the Winter Olympics twice, in 1988 and 1992 and was also a member of the U.S. National Team that participated in the 1992 IIHF Men’s World Championships.

“Jim’s positive influence was enormous and will be felt for generations to come,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. “He was widely respected across the world and his genuine nature helped advance our sport in so many ways. Today, we are a medal contender every time we put a team on the ice for international competition, and he played a major role in helping us get to that point. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family. It’s a sad day for all of us.”

Sports Illustrated’s Alex Prewitt tweeted that he just spoke to Johansson last week and the executive talked about how exciting it was putting this year’s 2018 Olympic team roster together and he radiated with pride about calling players and telling them they were chosen to be on this year’s Olympic team roster. Prewitt included this part of his interview with Johannson:

“You almost feel their heart, like, ’Omigosh, wow, this is real.’ I could sense the emotion in guys right away. Their voices changed, their breathing, you can hear it. It’s hard to describe. At some point, there’s also that little bit of self-accomplishment, I don’t know if that’s pride or what it is. It’s okay to feel good about yourself. If you’re going to do it, why not do it right not now. It’s neat to share with them. Every guy said thank you within the first four words. My comment back is, “No, thank you. You’ve earned it, so let’s go.”

PHR extends their condolences to Johannson’s family.