Three Columbus Blue Jackets players headline the Stars and Stripes Showdown that will honor the legacy of Jim Johannson.
Earlier this year, USA Hockey lost a legend in Jim Johannson. The USA Hockey executive is credited for much of the success the national program has had over the last decade including producing three star Columbus Blue Jackets players.
Johannson passed away on January 21st at the age of 53.
The Stars and Stripes Showdown will be played in Mr. Johannson’s honor later this month and the lineup of players is impressive. The Columbus Blue Jackets will be represented by Zach Werenski, Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson at the fundraising event that features a friendly three-on-three tournament.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Just a few of the other top players that will take part include Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews and Johnny Gaudreau. All will come together in Plymouth, Michigan on August 26th as they remember the man that helped built USA Hockey into the impressive program that it is today.
Both Zach Werenski and Seth Jones were National TeamDevelopment Program players for Team USA. Sonny Milano and Cleveland Monster Adam Clendening are also products of the NTDP.
Cam Atkinson participated in the World Championships for Team USA last year and was second on the team in scoring.
Columbus, Ohio native Connor Murphy, another product of the USNTDP, will also participate in the festivities.
All of the proceeds will go towards the USA Hockey Fund and Mr. Johannson’s daughter’s college fund. The game not only boasts over 30 NHL stars, but will also include live auction of game-worn jerseys and an online auction of other memorabilia from the game.
Mr. Johannson had a massive impact on the Columbus Blue Jackets and American hockey. The outpouring of emotion following his passing and the efforts of so many superstars to organize this event show the magnitude of the American hockey community’s love for this man.
If you can’t make the trip to suburban Detroit, you can still make donations to the Jim Johannson Legacy Fund online and keep an eye out for the online auction following the game on August 26th.