James Wisniewski
Encyclopedia
James Joseph Wisniewski (born February 21, 1984) is an American professional ice hockey
player, an alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets
of the National Hockey League
.
of the OHL
, in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted in the 5th round by the Blackhawks in 2002. At the start of the 2003–04 season, he was named captain of the Whalers. Wielding a child in his arms and an incredible desire to win, his rocket slap-shot (good for 17 goals, 11 on the power-play), "Wiz" arguably has one of the best defensive shots in the NHL. He finished 24th in overall scoring with 70 points, but 3rd among defenseman, short 6 points of Kingston Frontenacs
defenseman Bryan Rodney
. However, Wisniewski played in 17 fewer games, playing in only 50 to Rodney's 67 (in a 68 game season). For his work, Wisniewski was awarded the OHL's 2004 Max Kaminsky Trophy
as most outstanding defenceman. The accolades didn't stop there, as Wisniewski also took home the parent league, CHL's Defenseman of the Year award. This recognition gained Wisniewski a contract with Chicago, and a jump to the AHL
's Norfolk Admirals
.
Wisniewski was called up early to the Blackhawks in the 2006–07 season and stuck with the Blackhawks. James tore his ACL during the 1st period against Los Angeles on March 5, 2007. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season.
On March 4, 2009, Wisniewski was traded by the Blackhawks along with Petri Kontiola
to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Samuel Pahlsson
and Logan Stephenson
.
In the 2009–10 season, Wisniewski entrenched himself in the Ducks defense corps and established a career-high 30 points in 69 games. On March 17, 2010, in a game against former team, the Blackhawks, Wisniewski delivered a retaliation hit to Brent Seabrook
, his former teammate and good friend, driving his head against the glass. Wisniewski received an eight-game suspension for his hit. The last player to receive an 8 game suspension was former Duck Chris Pronger
.
On July 30, 2010, Wisniewski was traded by the Ducks to the New York Islanders
for a conditional 3rd-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
.
On October 12, 2010, he was suspended for two games for making an obscene gesture towards Sean Avery
.
On December 28, 2010, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for second-round pick in the 2011 draft and conditional 5th round pick in the 2012 draft.
On June 29, 2011, his rights were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2012. The pick would become a fifth-rounder if Columbus signed him. He signed a 6-year/$33 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1.
On September 26, 2011, Wisniewski was suspended for the remainder of the preseason, and 8 regular season games by the NHL for a hit to the head of Cal Clutterbuck
on September 23 after the end of regulation.
Wisniewski started a clothing line called WizWear. According to Wisniewski, "I always like to dress nice and have my own style. We support the USO of Illinois, the families of fallen soldiers. I wanted to do something a little bit different to set up for a charity than a golf tournament or bowling event. It's something I can have a little bit of fun with also." Both of his grandfathers fought in World War II.
Wisniewski is the nephew of former NHL player and coach Billy Dea
.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
player, an alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
.
Playing career
Wisniewski started his junior hockey career with his hometown Plymouth WhalersPlymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
of the OHL
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
, in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted in the 5th round by the Blackhawks in 2002. At the start of the 2003–04 season, he was named captain of the Whalers. Wielding a child in his arms and an incredible desire to win, his rocket slap-shot (good for 17 goals, 11 on the power-play), "Wiz" arguably has one of the best defensive shots in the NHL. He finished 24th in overall scoring with 70 points, but 3rd among defenseman, short 6 points of Kingston Frontenacs
Kingston Frontenacs
The Kingston Frontenacs are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The team is coached by Todd Gill and Doug Gilmour is the General Manager. The Frontenacs play home games at the K-Rock Centre, which opened in 2008.Team history predates the OHA,...
defenseman Bryan Rodney
Bryan Rodney
Bryan Rodney is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. He won the Memorial Cup in 2005 with the London Knights....
. However, Wisniewski played in 17 fewer games, playing in only 50 to Rodney's 67 (in a 68 game season). For his work, Wisniewski was awarded the OHL's 2004 Max Kaminsky Trophy
Max Kaminsky Trophy
The Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding defenceman in the Ontario Hockey League. Prior to 1969, the same trophy was awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the league; since then, that player has been awarded the William Hanley Trophy.The award is named in honour of...
as most outstanding defenceman. The accolades didn't stop there, as Wisniewski also took home the parent league, CHL's Defenseman of the Year award. This recognition gained Wisniewski a contract with Chicago, and a jump to the AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
's Norfolk Admirals
Norfolk Admirals
The Norfolk Admirals are a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Admirals play in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Norfolk Scope.-History:...
.
Wisniewski was called up early to the Blackhawks in the 2006–07 season and stuck with the Blackhawks. James tore his ACL during the 1st period against Los Angeles on March 5, 2007. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season.
On March 4, 2009, Wisniewski was traded by the Blackhawks along with Petri Kontiola
Petri Kontiola
Petri Kontiola is a professional ice hockey player for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.-Playing career:...
to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Samuel Pahlsson
Samuel Påhlsson
Samuel Påhlsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League .-Professional:...
and Logan Stephenson
Logan Stephenson
Logan Stephenson is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for the HK Acroni Jesenice of the Austrian Erste Bank Hockey League. He is the son of Bob Stephenson and the younger brother of Shay Stephenson. Currently now, he and his older brother Shay, is playing for the Norwegian...
.
In the 2009–10 season, Wisniewski entrenched himself in the Ducks defense corps and established a career-high 30 points in 69 games. On March 17, 2010, in a game against former team, the Blackhawks, Wisniewski delivered a retaliation hit to Brent Seabrook
Brent Seabrook
Brent Seabrook is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman playing for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League . He was selected 14th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft out of the Western Hockey League . He played four seasons of junior with the Lethbridge...
, his former teammate and good friend, driving his head against the glass. Wisniewski received an eight-game suspension for his hit. The last player to receive an 8 game suspension was former Duck Chris Pronger
Chris Pronger
Christopher Robert Pronger is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League . Originally selected 2nd overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Pronger has played for Hartford, the St...
.
On July 30, 2010, Wisniewski was traded by the Ducks to the New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
for a conditional 3rd-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
2011 NHL Entry Draft
The 2011 NHL Entry Draft was the 49th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the Draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the Minnesota North Stars hosted the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.The top three picks consisted...
.
On October 12, 2010, he was suspended for two games for making an obscene gesture towards Sean Avery
Sean Avery
Sean Christopher Avery is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League . He formerly played for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars and New York Rangers. Prior to the NHL, Avery played for the Owen Sound Platers and the...
.
On December 28, 2010, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for second-round pick in the 2011 draft and conditional 5th round pick in the 2012 draft.
On June 29, 2011, his rights were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2012. The pick would become a fifth-rounder if Columbus signed him. He signed a 6-year/$33 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1.
On September 26, 2011, Wisniewski was suspended for the remainder of the preseason, and 8 regular season games by the NHL for a hit to the head of Cal Clutterbuck
Cal Clutterbuck
Calvin Shane Clutterbuck, is a Canadian ice hockey winger currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . He is notable for having "the prototypical hockey player name" according to Don Cherry....
on September 23 after the end of regulation.
Awards and achievements
- 2000–01 OHLOntario Hockey LeagueThe Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
First All-Rookie Team - 2003–04 OHL First All-Star Team
- 2003–04 OHL Max Kaminsky TrophyMax Kaminsky TrophyThe Max Kaminsky Trophy is awarded each year to the most outstanding defenceman in the Ontario Hockey League. Prior to 1969, the same trophy was awarded to the most sportsmanlike player in the league; since then, that player has been awarded the William Hanley Trophy.The award is named in honour of...
- 2003–04 CHLCanadian Hockey LeagueThe Canadian Hockey League is an umbrella organization that represents the three Canadian-based major junior ice hockey leagues for players 16 to 20 years of age. The CHL was founded in 1975 as the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League, and is composed of its three member leagues, the Western Hockey...
First All-Star Team - 2003–04 CHL Defenceman of the Year
Regular season and playoffs
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2000–01 | Plymouth Whalers Plymouth Whalers The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:... |
OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
53 | 6 | 23 | 29 | 72 | 19 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 34 | ||
| 2001–02 | Plymouth Whalers | OHL | 62 | 11 | 25 | 36 | 100 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | ||
| 2002–03 | Plymouth Whalers | OHL | 52 | 18 | 34 | 52 | 60 | 18 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 14 | ||
| 2003–04 | Plymouth Whalers | OHL | 50 | 17 | 53 | 70 | 63 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 8 | ||
| 2004–05 2004–05 AHL season The 2004–05 AHL season was the 69th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
Norfolk Admirals Norfolk Admirals The Norfolk Admirals are a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Admirals play in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Norfolk Scope.-History:... |
AHL American Hockey League The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League... |
66 | 7 | 18 | 25 | 110 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | ||
| 2005–06 2005–06 AHL season The 2005–06 AHL season was the 70th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup, defeating the Milwaukee Admirals in the finals.... |
Norfolk Admirals | AHL | 61 | 7 | 28 | 35 | 67 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | ||
| 2005–06 | Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
19 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 36 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2006–07 2006–07 AHL season The 2006–07 AHL season was the 71st season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup, defeating the defending champions, the Hershey Bears in the finals.... |
Norfolk Admirals | AHL | 10 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2006–07 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 50 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 39 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2007–08 | Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 68 | 7 | 19 | 26 | 103 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 AHL season The 2008–09 AHL season is the 73rd season of the American Hockey League. 29 teams each played 80 games in the regular season, which ran from October 8 until April 12.-Team and NHL affiliation changes:... |
Rockford IceHogs Rockford IceHogs This article is about the former UHL franchise. For the current American Hockey League franchise, see Rockford IceHogs.The Rockford IceHogs were a professional ice hockey team in Rockford, Illinois USA. They were a member of the United Hockey League from 1999 to 2007. The IceHogs played their home... |
AHL | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
Chicago Blackhawks | NHL | 31 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2008–09 | Anaheim Ducks Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 17 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 16 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 NHL season The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010... |
Anaheim Ducks | NHL | 69 | 3 | 27 | 30 | 56 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 NHL season The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech... |
New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL | 32 | 3 | 18 | 21 | 18 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2010–11 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
NHL | 43 | 7 | 23 | 30 | 20 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | ||
| NHL totals | 329 | 27 | 121 | 148 | 302 | 18 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 17 | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Comp | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships The 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships were held in Piešťany and Trnava, Slovakia. The championships began on April 11, 2002, and finished on April 21, 2002. Games were played at Zimny Stadion in Piešťany and Zimny Stadion in Trnava... |
United States | WJC18 IIHF World U18 Championships The IIHF World U18 Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation for national under-18 ice hockey teams from around the world. The tournament is usually played in April and is organized according to a system similar to Ice Hockey World Championships and World... |
3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 2003 2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships -Group B:All times local .-Relegation round:Results from any games played during the preliminary round were carried forward to the relegation round.All times local .... |
United States | WJC World Junior Ice Hockey Championships The International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation for national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world... |
7 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| 2004 2004 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships The 2004 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships was held between December 26, 2003 and January 5, 2004 in Helsinki and Hämeenlinna, Finland... |
United States | WJC | 6 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| 2008 2008 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships The 2008 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships was the 72nd such event hosted by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Teams representing 48 countries will participate in four levels of competition. The competition will also serve as qualifications for the 2009 competition... |
United States | WC | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Junior int'l totals | 16 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 16 | ||
| Senior int'l totals | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | ||
Personal
Wisniewski attended the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park for High SchoolWisniewski started a clothing line called WizWear. According to Wisniewski, "I always like to dress nice and have my own style. We support the USO of Illinois, the families of fallen soldiers. I wanted to do something a little bit different to set up for a charity than a golf tournament or bowling event. It's something I can have a little bit of fun with also." Both of his grandfathers fought in World War II.
Wisniewski is the nephew of former NHL player and coach Billy Dea
Billy Dea
William Fraser Dea was a professional ice hockey centre and head coach in the National Hockey League. He played with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 67 goals and 54 assists in 397 games. In 1975 Dea became an assistant coach with the...
.