Thursday, January 3, 2013
Lawson Joins College Hockey, Inc.
Notre Dame grad hired as Director of Education and Recruitment; organization adds offices.
College Hockey, Inc., has named Notre Dame graduate Kyle Lawson as the organization’s new Director of Education and Recruitment, Executive Director Mike Snee announced today. In addition, Snee announced the organization’s restructuring into three regional offices and the promotion of Nate Ewell to Deputy Executive Director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle Lawson and know he will thrive in this role, educating players and families on the many benefits of college hockey,” Snee said. “Kyle is a passionate young man whose commitment to college hockey is genuine. We were fortunate to have a tremendous pool of qualified candidates but Kyle’s background, experiences, and enthusiasm set him apart. He will be a real asset to NCAA hockey.”
Lawson, 25, was a four-year standout and two-year alternate captain at Notre Dame who has enjoyed a three-year professional career. Named the CCHA’s Best Defensive Defenseman in 2008-09, he was second-team All-CCHA that year and honorable mention All-CCHA in 2007-08 and ’09-10. The New Hudson, Mich., native was an alternate captain on the U.S. National Junior Team that won bronze at the 2007 World Junior Championship.
‘A great ambassador’
“Kyle was a great player and ambassador for our program, and he’s a perfect fit to promote college hockey,” Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson said. “He can relate to a player who is considering college hockey, and he has a passion for our sport that I think others will find infectious.”
A draft choice of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005, Lawson signed with Carolina after his senior season and spent two years with the organization in Albany (AHL), Charlotte (AHL) and Florida (ECHL). He spent this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL) before retiring from playing to assume his new role.
“I had the time of my life playing college hockey and getting a Notre Dame education,” Lawson said. “I know the benefits college hockey offers and am excited to relay those to young players and their families.”
Prior to enrolling at Notre Dame Lawson played for the U.S. National Team Development Program, in the United States Hockey League and for the Honeybaked AAA program.
Regional offices opened
Lawson will be based in Michigan, one of three regional offices that College Hockey, Inc. will establish. Formerly based out of Newton, Mass., the organization will now have locations in St. Paul, Minn. (at the Minnesota Wild offices); Marlborough, Mass. (at the New England Sports Center); and Ann Arbor, Mich. (at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program).
“A regional approach will let us connect more efficiently with the entire college hockey community, as well as more youth hockey players and their families,” Snee said. “We will continue to travel to all areas that produce Division I college hockey players, but establishing a presence in these three regions will allow us to better promote college hockey.”
Finally, Snee announced Ewell’s promotion to Deputy Executive Director. The former Vice President of Communications with the Washington Capitals joined College Hockey, Inc. in Feb. 2011 serving as Director of Communications and Interim Executive Director since then.
“Nate has been instrumental in the success of College Hockey, Inc. and he is very deserving of this expanded role,” Snee said.
About College Hockey, Inc.
Formed in 2009 in partnership with the NHL and USA Hockey, College Hockey, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Division I men’s college hockey to prospective players and fans through extensive marketing and informational efforts. The entity is operated under the auspices of a 10-member Board of Directors and works closely with the commissioners, coaching staffs and administrators of the 59 programs and five conferences that sponsor Division I hockey.