Wisniewski Joins Wolves' Blues Line
January 29, 2017 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release
GLENVIEW, Ill. - The Chicago Wolves announced Sunday that the club has signed former National Hockey League defenseman James Wisniewski to a standard player contract.
"We are excited to have James as part of the Wolves organization," said general manager Wendell Young. "He brings a wealth of experience and skill to our team. He will be a great enhancement for an already outstanding group."
An 11-year veteran of the NHL, the 32-year-old has spent time with the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders.
Through 552 NHL games, he registered 53 goals and 221 assists for 274 points and logged 459 penalty minutes, as well as a -22 plus/minus rating. Wisniewski also appeared in 24 post-season games - split between Anaheim, Columbus and Montreal - and tallied a goal and six assist for seven points.
Wisniewski spent the most time with the Blue Jackets, playing four consecutive seasons (2011-15) and skating in 209 games with the squad before being traded to Anaheim on March 2, 2015. With Columbus, he accrued 26 goals and 95 assist for 121 points.
To begin the 2016-17 season, Wisniewski played in the Kontinental Hockey League for the Vladivostok Admirals. He skated in 16 games and collected four points (G, 3A).
Prior to turning pro, the Canton, Michigan, native skated four seasons (2000-04) in the Ontario Hockey League for his hometown Plymouth Whalers. During his senior campaign (2003-04) he earned several accolades, including OHL Defenseman of the Year, Canadian Hockey League Defenseman of the Year and was named an all-star for both the CHL and OHL.
Internationally, Wisniewski has represented the United States on four occasions. Most notably, he was a member of the U.S. teams that claimed the country's first Under-18 and World Junior Championships in 2002 and 2004, respectively.
The Wolves return to action - with Wisniewski on deck - on Friday (Feb. 3) for a Central Division showdown with the division's top-seeded Grand Rapids Griffins. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., and the game will broadcast on The U Too.
Then on Saturday (Feb. 4), the Rockford IceHogs are in town for an Illinois Lottery Cup contest at 7 p.m. The tilt will air on CW50. For ticket information or complete 2016-17 game and broadcast schedules, visit ChicagoWolves.com.
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American Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2017
- Western Conference Wins AHL All-Star Skills Competition - AHL
- Gustav Forsling Recalled by Chicago - Rockford IceHogs
- Hurricanes Recall Eddie Lack From Charlotte - Charlotte Checkers
- Wisniewski Joins Wolves' Blues Line - Chicago Wolves
- Syracuse Crunch Release Olivier Labelle from PTO - Syracuse Crunch
- IceCaps' Chris Terry Added to All-Star Classic - St. John's IceCaps
- Cory Conacher Named 2017 AHL All-Star - Syracuse Crunch
- Bailey Added to 2017 AHL All-Star Roster - Rochester Americans
- Bailey, Conacher, Terry Added to AHL All-Star Classic Rosters - AHL
- Take Five: Hogs Hit All-Star Break Following 5-1 Loss - Rockford IceHogs
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