Former NHL defenseman Jack Johnson has accepted an associate head coaching position with the Ohio State women's hockey program, the university announced this week.
A career built on durability and triumph
Over 19 seasons in the National Hockey League, Johnson wore the jerseys of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche, amassing a reputation as a steady, physical presence on the blue line.
His résumé includes a Stanley Cup championship with the Avalanche in 2022, a silver medal with the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and a stint as a veteran leader in the 2024‑25 season with Columbus after signing a one‑year contract.
Bringing championship culture to college hockey
Ohio State coach Nadine Muzerall said Johnson's experience will be invaluable for recruiting and shaping the team's identity, noting that his time in the league provides a direct line to the professional game that many of the Buckeyes aspire to reach.
The program arrives at a moment of momentum; the Buckeyes finished as national championship runners‑up last season and saw five current players compete in the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics, underscoring the program's growing prominence.
Looking forward
Johnson expressed excitement about joining a top‑tier women's college hockey program, saying he hopes to translate the lessons learned on the biggest stages into daily development for the student‑athletes.