Coach Chris Michael, fondly known simply as ‘Mikes,’ has made a significant impact on the hockey world, particularly with The Reapers.

Known for his dedication, experience, and leadership, Chris’ journey into coaching is a story of passion, family, and personal growth. As the Director of Player Advancement and Director of Coaching Education for the Reapers, Chris plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of young athletes, helping them navigate their paths to junior and college hockey.

A Family Affair and Early Hockey Beginnings

Born in Skokie, Illinois, Chris grew up in a hockey family. As the youngest of three boys, hockey was ingrained from a young age. His father, an engineer who immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq, learned about the game when he initially moved to Boston and saw Bobby Orr play. He quickly knew that he would introduce Chris and his brothers to the sport. Hockey became a family tradition, and Chris’ brothers were influential in shaping his path. Chris played youth hockey in Skokie and Wilmette before advancing to more competitive levels, including Team Illinois and the Chicago Young Americans (now Windy City), and the Chicago Chill (now Chicago Fury). His goal was clear: to play college hockey. “Hockey has always been in my blood; it’s part of who I am,” smiled Chris. “Of course I wanted to play hockey in college!”

Chris’ dreams came true when he was selected by the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL and later earned a scholarship to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He played four years at Miami, where he put up 81 points in 137 games, helping the team achieve the university’s first #1 national ranking in school history. Miami won the 2006 CCHA Championship that year and began a remarkable streak of championships and NCAA tournaments. “Leave the place better than you found it was our motto, and we were proud to accomplish that,” Chris proudly stated. After graduation, Chris transitioned from playing to coaching, a natural step for someone passionate about developing young talent and has carried that same motto into every program he’s been part of.

Coaching Career

Chris began his coaching career in 2006 with the Chicago Mission hockey program. His success continued when he led the U19 girls’ team to a national championship in 2008. In 2013, his U16 boys’ team also won a national championship. “Coaching those two teams, wow, that was a wild ride,” recalled Chris. “Two girls went on to be gold medal winning Olympians, Kendall (Coyne) Schofield and Megan (Bozek) Ferguson with Team USA, one boy, Christian Fischer went to play with the Detroit Red Wings; and more than 25 players went to play division 1 hockey in college. Yeah, I’d say I was a lucky coach!”

Chris’ leadership and coaching ability earned him a position with the Omaha Lancers (USHL), where he spent four years before moving to the Lincoln Stars (USHL), where he served as Associate Head Coach and was later promoted to General Manager and Head Coach in 2020.

In 2021, Chris joined the Reapers, who call the Nicholas Sportsplex home, where he now serves as Director of Player Advancement, guiding more than 25 players on their paths to junior and college hockey. Chris believes every player’s journey is unique and uses his extensive network to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. Also serving as the team’s Director of Coaching Education, Chris can support coaches in providing age-appropriate coaching techniques and continuing education. “If as adults and coaches we don’t keep learning, we won’t be able to best help our kids keep learning and developing,” commented Chris.

Leadership and Family Values

Away from the rink, Chris’ family is his greatest priority. He met his wife, Jill, while coaching in Toronto, and they have a son, Logan, who is 13. Logan has developed a love for baseball, and Chris is proud of his son’s accomplishments both on and off the field. “Listen, I’m really OK with the fact that Logan isn’t in to hockey,” smiled Chris. “The value that youth sports bring to character development is priceless. If his sport is baseball, then I just want him to work as hard as possible to be the best baseball player he can.”

Chris credits his father as one of his biggest influences. His father instilled in Chris the values of hard work, resilience, communication, integrity, and the importance of family. These principles shape Chris’ approach to coaching, where he teaches the life lessons learned through the sport. “At the end of the day, we’re coaching these kids to be good people who contribute to their family and leave the world a better place,” explained Chris. “This is what my dad taught me and I’m teaching my son and athletes. I’m just as proud to have coached over 100 division 1 college hockey players and 24 NHL draft picks as I am of those that have found success in the business world.”

The Reapers’ Values and Success

The Reapers Hockey Association stands out for its strong leadership and commitment to player development. Under Chris’ guidance, the team upholds the same values as Chris’ personal ones. These principles are embedded into the Reapers’ culture, helping athletes succeed both on the ice and in life.

The Reapers play at the Nicholas Sportsplex, a state-of-the-art facility that Chris describes as one of the best he’s seen across the U.S. and Canada. The professional, family-oriented atmosphere at the rink provides the perfect environment for the team’s growth.

Chris’ journey is a testament to his love for hockey, his dedication to his players, and his commitment to his family. Through his leadership with the Reapers, Chris continues to impact the lives of young athletes, teaching them not only about hockey but about life’s important lessons. His influence on the sport will be felt for years to come.

(Oh, and we’re also proud to have the Reapers and Coach Mikes, too.)