Jack Johnson Begins New Coaching Journey with Ohio State Women’s Hockey

Jack Johnson is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his hockey career, returning to his roots in Ohio. The former Colorado Avalanche defenseman and Stanley Cup champion has been appointed as an associate coach for Ohio State University’s women’s hockey program, marking his first foray into coaching after a brief stint in NHL scouting.

Johnson, who played a pivotal role in the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, spent three seasons in Colorado across two separate stints. While he may not have been the most high-profile player on a roster filled with stars, he earned a reputation as a reliable veteran presence and a dependable depth defenseman during one of the most successful periods in franchise history.

Following his retirement after the 2024-25 season, Johnson transitioned to a pro scouting role with the Vancouver Canucks in January. However, that position was short-lived, as he has now stepped away from the organization to take on coaching responsibilities.

This opportunity also brings Johnson back to Ohio, the state where he grew up and honed his skills as one of the nation’s top hockey prospects. Selected third overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, Johnson enjoyed a lengthy 19-season career in the NHL, appearing in 1,228 regular-season games across several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Avalanche. Over his career, he tallied 77 goals and 265 assists, but his crowning achievement remains hoisting the Stanley Cup with Colorado during their 2021-22 championship run.

Now, Johnson is set to contribute to the success of an Ohio State women’s program that has established itself as a powerhouse in college hockey, clinching NCAA national championships in both 2022 and 2024. Transitioning from mentoring NHL veterans to developing future stars, Johnson is poised to begin what promises to be a rewarding coaching career.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.