Ohio State freshman forward James Hong (19) scored at the end of the first period during the American International home-opener game at Value City Arena in Columbus. The game ended in a 3-3 tie in overtime. Credit: Courtesy of Ohio State Athletics
James Hong’s path to Ohio State’s men’s ice hockey team has been anything but ordinary.
Hong, a freshman forward for the Buckeyes, has lived in three different countries, each shaping his somewhat unconventional path to the Buckeyes.
From the hockey culture of South Korea to the rinks in Canada and now the United States, Hong’s diverse experiences have given him a global perspective on the game — one that’s ready to make an impact in Columbus.
“None of my family members knew about hockey,” Hong said. “I just started skating at a local rink and started playing hockey when I was seven years old.”
Hong was born in Seoul, South Korea and lived there until his family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia when he was just 3 years old. While in British Columbia, Hong played for the Vancouver Thunderbirds, a minor hockey association.
After spending several years in British Columbia, Hong and his mother relocated to Toronto.
“Me and my mom made the decision to move to Toronto to get more exposure and get into the different hockey market they have there,” Hong said.
Hong played for the Toronto Marlies and Don Mills Flyers while in Canada. After spending two years there, 13-year-old Hong and his family made the jump to the United States by way of Irvine, California.
There, Hong spent three years playing for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks AAA from 14U to 16U.
Ohio State freshman forward Jake Rozzi said Hong refers to this time in his life as one of his favorite parts of his childhood.
“He talks a lot about his time in Anaheim,” Rozzi said. “He grew up there playing for the Ducks.”
It wasn’t until 2021 that Hong began his United States Hockey League career for the Waterloo Blackhawks, where he spent two seasons. He went on to play his final USHL season for the Madison Capitols in Wisconsin in 2023-24.
In three seasons in the USHL, Hong netted 43 goals and dished out 59 assists for 102 points.
Despite his young age, Hong is already accustomed to the international stage, as he’s represented South Korea at two separate events.
“The first was a Euro Challenge during my second year at Waterloo, and it was against Hungary, Slovenia and Italy,” Hong said. “It was my first time in…
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