Build the statue already! It’s past time for Wisconsin to permanently honor Mark Johnson

By Christina Lorey

April 26, 2025

Barry Alvarez has one. So does Pat Richter. But it’s past time for Wisconsin to honor one of its all-time greatest athletes, coaches, and people — Mark Johnson.

“Miracle” Mark Johnson was born & raised in Madison, and stayed local to play hockey for the Badgers under his dad, legendary coach Bob Johnson.

His freshman year (1977), he helped the team win the national championship and became the first Badger to win WCHA Rookie of the Year! He finished as the all-time leading goal scorer. Then, the WORLD was introduced to Johnson as a key member of the “Miracle on Ice” team!

❤️ DEEP DIVE: Mark Johnson Just Keeps Winning

During the US-Soviet matchup at the 1980 Olympics, Johnson scored two of Team USA’s four goals in their 4–3 victory. (His first goal — scored with one second left in the first period — caused the Soviet coach to take out his goalie, who was considered the best in the world.)

The US defeated Finland to capture gold medal, with Johnson assisting on the game-winning goal AND scoring the insurance goal with less than four minutes left! He earned team MVP.

After 11 seasons in the NHL, Johnson returned to Madison in 2002 to coach women’s hockey. It only took 4 years for the Badger ladies to win their first national title… and the rest is history!

Eight trophies and an NCAA record-setting 600+ wins later — Mark is not just the winningest coach in Wisconsin, but D1 women’s hockey.

In 2019, Johnson became the first Wisconsin hockey player to have his number (#10) retired. A statue seems like the natural next step…

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

View all posts

Interested in more stories like this? Subscribe to our once-a-month UpNorthSports Newsletter! We dive into the history, backstories, and often-overlooked tidbits about your favorite teams. And the best part? It’s completely free!

CATEGORIES: SPORTS

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Wisconsinites and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at UpNorthNews has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Wisconsin families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.