Playing career

Wisniewski started his junior hockey career with his hometown Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted in the 4th round 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 defenceman. 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 missed the rest of the season. Wisniewski is known as an enforcer. However he has only won one fight in his NHL career. Wisniewski defeated Jordan Tootoo of the Nashville Predators during the 2006-2007 season.

Career statistics

			Regular season					Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2000–01	Plymouth Whalers	OHL	53	6	23	29	72	19	3	10	13	34
2001–02	Plymouth Whalers	OHL	62	11	25	36	100	6	1	2	3	6
2002–03	Plymouth Whalers	OHL	52	18	34	52	60	18	2	10	12	14
2003–04	Plymouth Whalers	OHL	50	17	53	70	63	9	3	7	10	8
2004–05	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	66	7	18	25	110	5	1	3	4	2
2005–06	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	61	7	28	35	67	4	1	2	3	6
2005–06	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL	19	2	5	7	36	-	-	-	-	-
2006–07	Norfolk Admirals	AHL	10	0	6	6	8	-	-	-	-	-
2006–07	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL	50	2	8	10	39	-	-	-	-	-
2007–08	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL	68	7	19	26	103	-	-	-	-	-
NHL totals			137	11	32	43	178	0	0	0	0	0