USA Hockey’s New Leader Award

(USA Hockey’s New Leader Award aims to recognize and motivate young, energetic talent that work within NYSAHA to grow and improve hockey.)

Chris Napoli
New York District Player Safety Coordinator

Since 2019, Chris Napoli has served as the New York District Player Safety Coordinator, a role in which he has diligently worked to enhance the safety and well-being of all players.

His contributions to making the game safer go beyond practices and protocols. He has instilled a culture of safety, awareness and preparedness that impacts every level of the organization. His work ensures that every player, from the youngest novice to the seasoned adult, can enjoy the game in a safer environment.

Napoli’s leadership in spearheading numerous safety initiatives has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and management of player health, particularly in the critical area of concussion management.

He has been at the forefront of concussion education, helping to start USA Hockey’s concussion database that has become a vital tool in tracking and managing concussion incidents, ensuring the organization has the data to protect its players better.

Napoli has used his platform to educate the N.Y. hockey community through webinars on concussion education, hands-on CPR and AED training, contributing significantly to the continuing education within USA Hockey Coaching Education.

A defining moment of his commitment to safety came during the 2023 Adult Nationals, where he demonstrated AED and CPR techniques in response to a collapsed athlete. His prompt action and expertise in such critical situations highlight the importance of his advocacy for safety initiatives.