Greg Johnson was an elite college hockey player for the University of North Dakota from 1989 to 1993. During his four seasons with the Fighting Sioux, he became the program’s all-time leader in points with 272 and assists with 198. Johnson led the team in scoring for three consecutive seasons and was named to the All-WCHA First Team from 1991 to 1993. His stellar performance was repeatedly recognized at the national level, as he was a three-time Hobey Baker Award finalist, being named to the top-10 in 1991, 1992, and 1993. He was also a two-time First-Team All-American.

After his distinguished collegiate career, Johnson was traded by the Philadelphia Flyers, who had drafted him 33rd overall in 1989, to the Detroit Red Wings. He went on to have a long professional career, playing nearly 800 games in the NHL with the Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Nashville Predators. Johnson served as the Predators’ captain from 2002 to 2006 and holds several franchise records. He also represented Canada on the international stage, winning a gold medal at the 1991 World Junior Championship and a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics.