James Wisniewski
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Defense |
| Shoots | Right |
| Height Weight |
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 206 lb (94 kg) |
| NHL Team | Chicago Blackhawks |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Born | February 21, 1984, Canton, Michigan |
| NHL Draft | 156th overall, 2002 Chicago Blackhawks |
| Pro Career | 2004 – present |
James Wisniewski (b. February 21, 1984, Canton, Michigan) is an American ice hockey player who plays for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Wisniewski started his professional career with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted 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 defenseman. 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 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 will miss the rest of the season.
