SALEM – Athletic Director Nicolle Wood is pleased to announce that former Viking player and assistant coach, Chris Maclnnis ‘10 has been named as the new head men’s ice hockey coach at Salem State University. MacInnis replaces Bill O’Neill, who retired this summer after 42 years. Wood stated, “Chris was a valuable member of the Viking community as a student-athlete and assistant coach, and we are excited to have him return to Salem State to lead the men’s ice hockey program. Chris’ experiences as a coach and an educator are a great fit for our student-athletes and staff and I expect his contributions to the athletic department will be felt immediately.” MacInnis will become the program’s sixth head ice hockey coach all-time, and its first since 1981. The 2023-24 men’s hockey season practice schedule started on Monday.
Chris MacInnis – Salem State Hockey Coach with Bill Newell
Story by: Jose Rodriguez ’24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
Maclnnis, was a four-year player for the Vikings, who earned All-MASCAC Second Team honors as a senior in 2010. A consistent and dynamic scorer, MacInnis was a part of two conference championships, and finished his career with over 100 points.
Said MacInnis, “I am very excited to be here. I was a player here and a coach in 2015 and 2016 and to be named head coach is really special. Bill O’Neill has been a huge mentor to me personally and to be able to continue his legacy. I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.”
The Vikings won back-to-back Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships in 2015 and 2016 while Maclnnis was a part of O’Neill’s coaching staff.
I want to continue the legacy of coach O’Neill. We have a great group of returning players and I want to continue to build on that experience. The players are getting someone, who cares passionately about Salem State hockey. As a former player and coach here, I have been a part of very successful teams. I will do the best job that I can to get the players prepared and ready to make a run at the MASCAC title.
“I think that first home game on November 9 is going to be pretty special. Just being on the ice with the guys. I came by when the rink was going up… Just the excitement to be back here and start a new era of Salem State hockey is pretty special.”
MacInnis has served in various coaching, recruiting and player development roles throughout the Boston area. Most recently serving as an assistant coach at the Boston Hockey Academy. He gained extensive experience in recruiting and game preparation as the hockey director at the North Shore Hockey Academy and as an assistant with the Northern Cyclones junior hockey program. MacInnis will also serve as the facilities manager for Rockett Arena.
