James Wisniewski

Infobox Ice Hockey Player
team = Chicago Blackhawks
league = NHL
position = Defense
shoots = Right
height_ft = 5
height_in = 11
weight_lb = 194
nickname =
nationality = USA
birth_date = birth date and age|1984|2|21
birth_place = Canton, MI
draft = 156th overall
draft_year = 2002
draft_team = Chicago Blackhawks
career_start = 2004

James Wisniewski (b. February 21 1984, Canton, Michigan) is an American professional ice hockey player.

Playing career

Wisniewski started his junior hockey career with his hometown Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted in the 4th round by the Blackhawks in 2002. At the start of the 2003–04 season, he was named captain of the Whalers. Wielding a rocket slap-shot (good for 17 goals, 11 on the power-play), "Wiz" was arguably the most feared defenseman in the OHL that year. He finished 24th in overall scoring with 70 points, but 3rd in defenseman scoring, short 6 points of Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Bryan Rodney. However, Wisniewski played in 17 less 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 [http://www.chl.ca/CHLAwards/2004.html] . This recognition gained Wisniewski a contract with Chicago, and a jump to the AHL's Norfolk Admirals.

Wisniewski was called up early in the 2006–07 NHL Season and has 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. Wisniewski is known as an enforcer. However he has only won one fight in his NHL career. Wisniewski defeated Jordan Tootoo of the Nashville Predators during the 2006-2007 season.

Career statistics

International play

Played for the United States in:

*2008 World Championships

International statistics

External links

*hockeydb|55297