A Champion’s Return to Ohio
Jack Johnson, a Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup champion and longtime NHL defenseman, has announced his new role as associate coach for Ohio State University’s women’s hockey program. The move marks the latest step in a career that has taken him from the draft floor to the locker room and now to the bench.
Johnson spent 19 seasons in the NHL, appearing in 1,228 games and tallying 77 goals and 265 assists. His greatest moment came in 2022 when he helped the Avalanche capture the Stanley Cup, capping a journey that began when the Los Angeles Kings selected him third overall in the 2005 draft.
Before joining Ohio State, Johnson served as a professional scout for the Vancouver Canucks, where he gained front‑office experience that complemented his playing background. He retired from professional play after the 2024‑25 season and turned his focus to developing the next generation of talent.
A Program With Championship Ambitions
Ohio State’s women’s hockey team has already proven its pedigree, capturing NCAA national championships in 2022 and 2024. Johnson will look to build on that success, using his deep connections to Ohio and his championship mindset to push the Buckeyes back to the top of the collegiate standings.
The new coaching staff also includes a brief stint with the Colorado Avalanche, where Johnson honed his analytical skills while contributing to a roster that blended veteran savvy with emerging talent. His return to the Midwest is seen as a strategic move to fuse local insight with a national outlook.