R.J. Umberger, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward will be at his alma mater, the Ohio State University, to extend help to the men's hockey team. Umberger is currently locked out by the NHL. He will volunteer as an assistant coach working closely with coach Mark Osiecki.
Umberger has spent as many as four years with the Blue Jackets. He has been out of action, as have several other players in the wake of the NHL lockout. He will be there for the Buckeyes for their home games and practices whether the lockout continues or not. Once the lockout is over, he'll continue coaching provided his schedule allows him to do so.
The Associated Press quoted Umberger as saying: "With the NHL lockout in full force, I am looking forward to being more connected to the Ohio State hockey program once again. 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."
For Umberger, it's quite exciting going back to the Ohio State University which he attended between 2000 and 2003. It will certainly bring back fond memories for the Pittsburgh native.
Umberger scored his first ever playoff goal for the Blue jackets in a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in April 2009. He also scored in the third and fourth games as Detroit swept the series.
Umberger signed a five-year contract extension with his the Blue Jackets in September 2011, which is due to expire in the 2016-2017 NHL season.
Even after turning pro, he continued to pursue his education earning a bachelor's degree in marketing in 2011.
Umberger has scored 143 goals and has 171 assists in a total of 551 games played for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Blue Jackets.
Coach Osiecki said: "Having an alum of R.J.'s stature around our program will be great. 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."
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