MADISON, Wis.— Former USA hockey executive and Wisconsin forward Jim Johannson, who passed away unexpectedly last January, was named the 2018 recipient of the Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey, the National Hockey League announced Wednesday.

Johannson is the sixth Wisconsin player or coach to receive the award, which is given annually to those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of hockey in the United States.

Johannson spent four years playing college hockey for Wisconsin. A left wing and four-year letter-winner, Johannson helped the Badgers capture the NCAA title in his first season in 1983. In 148 career games with the Badgers, Johannson tallied 63 goals, 67 assists and 130 points.

Upon graduation, Johannson went on to play 374 games of professional hockey between 1987-94 in the International Hockey League where he registered 279 points, including 119 goals.

Johannson also appeared in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and was also a member of the U.S. National Team that competed in the 1992 IIHF Men's World Championship.

A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Johannson began his post-playing career in hockey with the Twin Cities Vulcans of the USHL, serving as the team's general manager from 1995 to 2000. During his time with the Vulcans, the team won the 2000 USHL National Championship in Green Bay.

Following his stint with the Vulcans, Johannson joined USA Hockey as a manager of international activities and U.S. Olympic Committee relations before being promoted to senior director of hockey operations in 2003. He took over the position of assistant executive director of hockey operations in 2007. As the assistant director, Johannson oversaw all in-sport activities and initiatives related to international competition.

Johannson's nearly 20-year tenure with USA Hockey is marked by several achievements, most notably the implementation of the highly successful American Development Model, the establishment of the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan in 2015 and more than 60 medals, including 34 gold, captured in international competition.

Most recently, Johannson was named the general manager for the U.S. Men's National team ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. He died before the games began. 

The award, named in honor of Lester Patrick, who spent 50 years advancing the sport around the U.S., will be presented to Johannson's wife, Abby, as part of the 2018 USA Hockey Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in December.

For his achievements on and off the ice, Johannson will also be recognized this Friday at the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as a member of the Class of 2018.

Other UW recipients of the NHL's Lester Patrick Award include Bob Johnson (1988), Brian Mullen (1995), Mike Richter (2009), Mark Johnson (2011) and Jeff Sauer (2011).