Former Ohio State forward R.J. Umberger has joined the Buckeyes’ staff as a volunteer coach.
Umberger was a three-year letter-winner with OSU from 2000-03 and has played the last seven years in the NHL with Philadelphia and Columbus.
“With the NHL lockout in full force, I am looking forward to being more connected to the Ohio State hockey program once again,” Umberger said in a statement. “I’m excited to spend time on the ice with the players keeping myself in shape and hopefully offering any advice and help I can to them.”
“Having an alum of R.J.’s stature around our program will be great,” added OSU head coach Mark Osiecki. “As an All-American in college, he knows what it takes to be successful at the collegiate level and he has carried that on to a successful professional career. For him to be able to share that with our players will really help their development.”
Umberger has skated in 551 career NHL games and has scored 143 goals with 171 assists for 314 points. He was drafted by Vancouver 16th overall in the first round of the 2001 NHL draft.
