Bob Johnson (ice hockey, born 1931)

Bob Johnson (ice hockey, born 1931) was an American professional ice hockey player and coach. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 4, 1931, and died on November 26, 1991, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from brain cancer.

Johnson is best known for his successful coaching career. He coached the Calgary Flames to a Stanley Cup victory in 1989, becoming the second American-born coach to win the Cup. He also coached the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup victory in 1991, his final season.

Prior to his NHL success, Johnson built a legendary career as the head coach of the University of Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team from 1966 to 1982. During his tenure, he led the Badgers to three NCAA national championships (1973, 1977, and 1981). He was known for his enthusiastic and positive coaching style, as well as his emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship.

Johnson also coached the United States men's national ice hockey team on multiple occasions, including the 1976 Winter Olympics and the 1981 Canada Cup. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992. His motto, "It's a great day for hockey!", became his trademark phrase and is still often used in hockey circles. He is remembered as one of the most influential and respected figures in American hockey history.