Bob Johnson (ice hockey, born 1931) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Johnson |
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| Hockey Hall of Fame, 1992 (Builder) | |||
Johnson in 1990
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| Born | March 4, 1931 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
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| Died | November 26, 1991 (aged 60) Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. |
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Robert Norman "Badger Bob" Johnson (March 4, 1931 – November 26, 1991) was a legendary American ice hockey coach. He coached teams at the college, international, and professional levels. He is best known for leading the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team to three national championships. He also coached the United States men's national ice hockey team in several major tournaments.
Later, Johnson coached the Calgary Flames and then the Pittsburgh Penguins. In his only season with the Penguins, he led them to win the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals. This was a huge achievement. Sadly, Johnson was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1991 and passed away that same year. He was famous for his positive attitude and his favorite saying: "It's a great day for hockey!"
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Early Life and College Coaching Career
Bob Johnson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He went to Minneapolis Central High School. He also played hockey at the University of Minnesota under coach John Mariucci.
After college, Johnson started his coaching career. In 1956, he coached the boys' hockey team at Warroad High School. He later coached at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis. He even used a hockey stick to point at the chalkboard during his history classes! In 1963, he became the head hockey coach at Colorado College.
In 1966, Johnson moved to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He coached the Wisconsin Badgers until 1982. During his time there, the Badgers played in seven NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championships. They won three national titles in 1973, 1977, and 1981. This is where he got his famous nickname, "Badger Bob."
Johnson also coached the United States men's national ice hockey team many times. He led the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1976. He also coached the U.S. teams in the Canada Cup tournament in 1981, 1984, and 1987.
Coaching in the NHL
In 1982, Bob Johnson began coaching in the National Hockey League (NHL). He became the head coach of the Calgary Flames. He coached the Flames for five seasons. In the 1985–86 season, he led the Flames to the Stanley Cup Finals. They played against the Montreal Canadiens but lost the series.
From 1987 to 1990, Johnson worked as the President of USA Hockey. Then, in 1990, he became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins had a superstar player named Mario Lemieux. In his first season, Johnson coached the team to a 1991 Stanley Cup Finals victory. They beat the Minnesota North Stars to win the championship. This was his only season coaching the Penguins.
His Illness and Legacy
In August 1991, while getting ready for a tournament, Johnson became very ill. He was diagnosed with brain cancer. He started treatment right away. His assistant coaches and Scotty Bowman took over coaching the Penguins. Even from his hospital room, Johnson stayed involved. He watched games on videotape and sent faxes to the team.
Bob Johnson passed away on November 26, 1991. After he died, his famous saying, "It's a great day for hockey!", was put on a banner at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It was also painted on the ice at the Penguins' arena in Pittsburgh. The Penguins players wore a special patch on their jerseys to honor him. When the Penguins won the Stanley Cup again in 1992, they put his name on the Cup a second time.
Scotty Bowman, who took over coaching, said that "the coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins will always be – Bob Johnson." The Penguins still use his famous phrase. It is even at the entrance of their current arena, the PPG Paints Arena. Bob Johnson's positive spirit and love for hockey continue to inspire many.
Honors and Recognition
Bob Johnson received many honors for his amazing career.
- In 1987, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame.
- He joined the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.
- In 1992, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is a very high honor.
- He was also elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.
On November 2, 2012, the home ice rink for the Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey team was named "Bob Johnson Rink" in his honor.
Family Life
Bob Johnson's family also has a strong connection to hockey.
- His son, Mark Johnson, won a gold medal in the 1980 Olympics as part of the "Miracle on Ice" team. Mark is now a successful women's hockey coach at Wisconsin.
- Another son, Peter Johnson, was also a hockey coach and scout.
- Bob Johnson also has several grandchildren who play hockey or soccer.
Johnson also enjoyed umpiring baseball games in Minnesota with his friend and fellow hockey coach Dave Peterson.
See also
- List of members of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame
- List of members of the Hockey Hall of Fame
- List of notable brain tumor patients
- Notable families in the NHL
