From Stanley Cup Glory to the Buckeye Bench
Jack Johnson, a Michigan‑born defenseman who lifted the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 and added another championship ring with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, has long been known for his hard‑hitting, shutdown style. Drafted third overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005, he later skated for the Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, leaving a trail of memorable moments that included scoring the opening goal of the 2021‑22 season just minutes after signing a professional tryout contract.
After a brief stint as a scout for the Vancouver Canucks, Johnson stepped away from that role to pursue a new challenge on the collegiate stage. The former NHL veteran recently announced his appointment as an associate coach with Ohio State University’s women’s hockey program, a move that signals his desire to shape the next generation of players from the bench rather than the ice.
Johnson’s playing résumé reads like a tour of the league’s most storied franchises. He spent the 2024‑25 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets before attempting a comeback with the Minnesota Wild last fall, only to be released before the preseason concluded. Earlier in his career he also tried out with the Hurricanes, scoring the season’s opening goal, and had previously been a key contributor for the Avalanche, Blackhawks, Rangers, Penguins and Kings.
A Fresh Perspective for the Buckeyes
Now based in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he grew up before starring for the Wolverines, Johnson brings a wealth of professional experience and a champion’s mindset to Ohio State. His transition from player to coach reflects a broader trend of former NHL athletes seeking impact beyond the rink, and his presence on the Buckeyes’ staff is already generating buzz among fans and analysts alike.
The university’s athletic department highlighted Johnson’s blend of toughness and hockey IQ as a perfect fit for a program that aims to compete at the highest level of collegiate women’s hockey. He will collaborate with the coaching staff to develop defensive strategies and mentor players, offering a narrative that resonates with young athletes aspiring to carve out diverse careers in hockey.