Mark Osiecki, whose career as head coach of the Ohio State hockey team came to a sudden and surprising end in April, has found a new job in the organization on top of the sport this summer.
The Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks hired Osiecki as an assistant for the Rockford IceHogs, their AHL affiliate.
Ohio State announced in April the 44-year-old Osiecki would not return for a fourth season in charge of the Buckeyes because of a difference in opinion of how the program should be run, but the coach told BuckeyeSports.com at the time there was no discussion about changes that might be made.
"You can say I was surprised," Osiecki said. "There was a decision made when they walked in. It was 8 to 8:15 and I was out. There wasn't any conversation. There was a decision made. Now I just take the time to enjoy the family, try to comfort my family and my wife and kids, and try to develop a game plan moving forward."
Ohio State named assistant Steve Rohlik interim head coach when Osiecki was let go and later hired Rohlik on a full-time bases.
Now both the program and its former leader are moving forward in their own way.
Here is the press release from the Blackhawks:
The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have hired Mark Osiecki (oh-SEE-kee) as an assistant coach with the Rockford IceHogs, joining Head Coach Ted Dent.
“We’re thrilled to add Mark Osiecki to our coaching staff in Rockford,” said Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard. “Mark’s extensive experience with player development at the collegiate, junior and international level will serve as a great asset as we continue to build the future of the Chicago Blackhawks organization.”
Osiecki, 44, most recently served as head coach at The Ohio State University from 2010 to 2013, where he posted a 46-50-16 record during his career with the Buckeyes. Prior to joining OSU, Osiecki spent six seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin (2004 to 2010) and seven seasons as head coach and general manager of the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers (1997 to 2004). The Burnville, Minn., native has also held various coaching titles with USA Hockey, including with the 2010, 2011 and 2013 World Junior Championship squads. Osiecki earned two goal medals (2010 and 2013) and one bronze medal (2011) during his coaching tenure at the World Junior Championship.
Osiecki appeared in 93 career National Hockey League games with Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Minnesota from 1991 to 1993. He also spent parts of five seasons with Salt Lake, Kalamazoo, Detroit and Minnesota of the International Hockey League from 1990 to 1995. Osiecki represented the United States at the 1992 World Championship, appearing in six games during the tournament.
