Thursday, September 26, 2024
Chris Meriney Joins College Hockey Inc. Staff
Starts Oct. 1 as Director of Men’s Hockey Athlete Relations
College Hockey Inc. announced today that Chris Meriney has been named its Director of Men’s Hockey Athlete Relations. He will officially begin his duties October 1.
Meriney (pronounced muh-RINN-ee) will fill the position previously held by Sean Hogan, who was elevated to College Hockey Inc. Executive Director in August. Meriney’s primary responsibilities will include coordinating and executing College Hockey Inc.’s live and virtual presentations and leading the organization’s efforts to educate amateur hockey players and their families on the paths to and benefits of NCAA Division I men’s hockey.
“Chris was impressive from our first conversations with him and throughout the entire process,” said Hogan. “His passion for college hockey is evident. His background in hockey administration, coupled with his coaching experience at the youth through professional levels, really made him stand out in a very deep pool of candidates. We are excited for what he will bring to college hockey and College Hockey Inc.”
Meriney brings to College Hockey Inc. a diversified professional background, having worked in hockey at the youth, junior, collegiate and professional levels. He most recently spent a five-year stint as assistant coach and manager of hockey administration for the ECHL’s Allen Americans.
Prior to that, Meriney was the director of hockey operations for the Colgate University men’s hockey program under legendary Raiders head coach Don Vaughan. He had been an assistant coach with both the NA3HL’s Pittsburgh Vengeance and the Pittsburgh Predators U16 AAA program before arriving at Colgate.
Meriney was also a regional scout for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers from 2019-23 and has served as a national camp evaluator for USA Hockey since 2019. He began his professional career in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, beginning the first of three internships in Tampa Bay’s sports performance and training staff departments.
“I’m thrilled to join College Hockey Inc. and grateful that Sean and the team afforded me the opportunity to further grow the game, both nationally and globally,” said Meriney. “Building on the efforts already in place, I’m eager to connect with players and families to highlight the unique benefits of the NCAA route, guiding them through the recruitment process and beyond. Together, we’ll continue to expand the reach and impact of college hockey, helping shape the next generation of student-athletes.”
Meriney, a 2016 graduate of the University of Tampa with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Amanda.
For more information visit www.collegehockeyinc.com.