Nadine Muzerall has added a familiar face to her coaching staff.
On Monday, Muzerall and Ohio State women's hockey announced James Wisniewski, a former Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, 14-year NHL veteran and two-year Ohio State volunteer assistant coach, will return to the Buckeyes' staff as the program's associate head coach.
Welcoming a familiar face back to the Buckeye bench
— Ohio State Women's Hockey (@OhioStateWHKY) June 24, 2024
James Wisniewski is named associate head coach#GoBucks | https://t.co/dvJdi41WRV pic.twitter.com/QzWfcTNQL6
"The biggest things I look for in a staff member is loyalty and hard work and I know that James possesses both," Muzerall said in a program press release. "He's an exemplary coach because of his knowledge of the game, having played at the level he did both in the pros and for Team USA. He's not only smart about the game, but he is creative and brings unique concepts to our program. At Ohio State, we have elite standards, and James fits that standard."
The No. 156 overall pick in the 2002 NHL draft, Wisniewski appeared in over 500 games for the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes. When his NHL career ended in 2016, the puck-moving defenseman had accumulated 274 points (53 goals and 221 assists), including 121 points for the Blue Jackets from 2011-15.
A native of Canton, Michigan, Wisniewski also represented the United States in several international competitions, winning gold medals in the 2002 World U18 Championships and 2004 World Junior Championships. Wisniewski was also part of the Team USA Olympic squad that competed 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Following his international and professional careers, Wisniewski returned to Columbus and joined Muzerall's staff as a volunteer assistant for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 teams. Four years later, he comes back to the program in a full-time role.
"It was such an honor to be part of the Buckeye family four years ago, and I'm excited to rejoin the program in this new role," Wisniewski said. "It's been incredible to see what Nadine has done to turn this program around, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to assist her, the rest of the staff and the players in continuing the Buckeyes' dominance in women's hockey."
