College Hockey, Inc. hires Lawson, announces regional offices, promotes Ewell

College Hockey, Inc., has named Notre Dame graduate Kyle Lawson as the organization’s new director of education and recruitment and also 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,” CHI executive director Mike Snee said in a statement. “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.”

The 25-year-old Lawson was a two-year alternate captain at Notre Dame (2006-10) who enjoyed a three-year professional career after being a Carolina Hurricanes’ draft pick in 2006. The New Hudson, Mich., native was also an alternate captain on the U.S. National Junior Team that won bronze at the 2007 World Junior Championship.

Lawson played 23 games this year with the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators before retiring to take his new position.

“I had the time of my life playing college hockey and getting a Notre Dame education,” Lawson added. “I know the benefits college hockey offers and am excited to relay those to young players and their families.”

Lawson will be based in Michigan, one of three regional offices that CHI will establish. Formerly based out of Newton, Mass., the organization will now have offices 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).

Ewell joined CHI in Feb. 2011, serving as director of communications and interim executive director in that span.