Colorado Avalanche legend Jack Johnson parents sentenced after long-running bankruptcy fraud investigation linked to finances of former NHL defenseman

A long-simmering family financial controversy involving former NHL defenseman Jack Johnson has resurfaced following the federal sentencing of his parents. The case, related to bankruptcy fraud charges in Pennsylvania, again has been a focus of NHL news coverage because of the emotional and financial toll it took on the former Colorado Avalanche defenseman early in his professional hockey career.Jack Johnson became one of the more talked-about off-ice stories in the NHL when reports surfaced of millions in debt, stemming from alleged financial decisions made by his parents. Another chapter in a years-long controversy that followed the former Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche player has ended thanks to a recent court ruling.The family financial controversy of Jack Johnson resurfaced with the sentencing of his parents, Kristina Johnson and John J. Johnson II, in federal court on bankruptcy fraud charges.The pair lied about their finances and hid information about bank accounts in bankruptcy filings related to their business dealings, according to sources familiar with the Pennsylvania probe. According to reports, Kristina Johnson was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, while John J. Johnson II was sentenced to 18 months.The case remains one of the most talked-about NHL stories involving off-ice financial matters. In the early part of his NHL career, Jack Johnson put his trust in his parents to take care of his money while he concentrated on pro hockey.It became national sports news because Jack Johnson was regarded as one of hockey’s brightest young defensemen after being taken third overall in the 2005 NHL Draft. He played in the NHL for the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, making millions, but eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2014.The controversy also served as a cautionary tale, frequently referenced in NHL news roundups about athlete finances and trust management. According to reports, Jack Johnson broke away from his parents years ago and has been concentrating on re-establishing his personal life and professional hockey career.