Jack Johnson, a former Michigan Wolverines defenseman who spent two seasons in Ann Arbor before launching a 19‑year NHL career, was announced this week as the new associate head coach for Ohio State’s women’s hockey program. Johnson, the third overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, won two national championships with the Wolverines and later captured a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings. His extensive experience on the ice and behind the bench makes him a natural fit for a Buckeyes squad that has become a perennial contender on the national stage.
Ohio State’s women’s hockey team has emerged as one of the most successful programs in recent memory, reaching the championship game in each of the past five tournaments. The Buckeyes’ sustained excellence reflects a strong recruiting pipeline and a coaching staff that has consistently turned talent into titles. Johnson’s addition is expected to reinforce that tradition and help the team maintain its elite status.
The Road Ahead for Women's Hockey in the Big Ten
Michigan, meanwhile, continues to grapple with the challenges of building a Division I women’s hockey program. The university currently supports the sport only at the club level, and its historic venue, Yost Ice Arena, was constructed in 1973 and offers limited space for expansion. These constraints have made it difficult for the school to compete for top recruits and to schedule high‑profile matchups, issues that have been amplified by the broader realignment of collegiate conferences.
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association, which includes powerhouses such as Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ohio State, has become a focal point for elite women’s hockey. The conference’s deep talent pool and competitive schedule have turned it into a de facto incubator for future Olympians and national team members. As the landscape shifts, schools are re‑evaluating their commitments and investments to stay ahead of the curve.
Financially, the Michigan men’s hockey program reported over $4.7 million in expenses and generated more than $4 million in revenue during the 2024‑25 season, underscoring the economic pressures faced by the university’s athletic departments. While the men’s team enjoys a robust budget, the women’s program has yet to secure comparable resources, highlighting the disparity that new coaching hires like Johnson’s may help to bridge.
For now, the focus remains on how Johnson’s championship pedigree will translate into on‑ice success for Ohio State and whether his presence can inspire similar investments at other programs. The next few seasons will likely serve as a litmus test for how effectively schools can leverage experienced talent to overcome structural obstacles and elevate women’s hockey to new heights.