Johannson played 374 games in the International Hockey League, registering 119 goals and 278 points with 420 minutes in penalties. He played with Team USA at the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics, and also at the 1992 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships. He played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin from 1982 to 1986. The four-year letterwinner helped the Badgers win an NCAA Championship his freshman year. Johannson finished his collegiate career with 63 goals, 67 assists and 130 points in 148 games played. His brother, John Johannson, also played at the University of Wisconsin from 1980 to 1984.