Umberger's new niche

Saturday, 29 December 2012 17:38

Written by Dave Molinari

This is not the job R.J. Umberger wants to be holding now.

But it just might be one he'd like to have in the future.

Umberger, a Plum native and Ohio State alum, is serving as a coach – albeit, a volunteer one – for the Buckeyes while the NHL is shut down by its lockout.

And while he'd rather be serving in his usual role as one of the Columbus Blue Jackets' top forwards, Umberger acknowledged that he's enjoyed his first foray behind the bench.

"It's been good for me to see a different side of the game, see what it's like," he said. "It's something I'd be interested in when I'm done playing."

Umberger got involved, at least in part, because it allowed him to skate with the Buckeyes on a daily basis; otherwise, NCAA rules would have limited how often he could do that.

He does not have specific duties – "It's pretty much up to me, as much as I want to be involved," he said. "If I see anything or I can add anything, I speak up" -- makes no secret that he hopes to return to his regular line of work soon.

That, of course, hinges on the NHL and NHL Players' Association working out a new collective bargaining agreement sometime in the near future.

"You have to have hope that something gets done," Umberger said. "It's good to see that there's communication again."