Bob "Badger Bob" Johnson had a major impact on amateur and professional hockey in and out of Wisconsin. "Badger Bob" coached the University of Wisconsin Badgers to three NCAA championships (1973-76 and 81). He established the UW hockey program as one of the best in the country.

In 1976, Johnson coached the U.S. Olympic team. After being wooed by the NHL for years, he coached Calgary and Pittsburgh, leading the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup title.