Celebrating 50 years of Division III athletics | men's ice hockey head coach and former viking Chris MacInnis '10

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass.- The Division III 50th anniversary campaign will mark significant moments in the division's past. It will also celebrate both current and former student-athletes and recognize the relationship the division shares with Special Olympics. 

Division III started Aug. 6, 1973, with 240 member schools and conferences. On Nov. 10, 1973, Ashland became the first Division III national champion by winning the inaugural men's cross-country championship hosted by Wheaton (Illinois).

Salem State athletics is profiling current head men's ice hockey head coach Chris MacInnis '10 as he talks about his experiences as a Division III player and coach. MacInnis became the program's sixth head men's ice hockey coach in 2023. Maclnnis, a four-year player for the Vikings 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. He served as an assistant coach on former head coach Bill O'Neill's staff, helping the team earn back-to-back MASCAC championships in 2015 & 2016. MacInnis also serves as the facilities manager for Rockett Arena. 

How did being a DIII athlete prepare you for a post-playing career?

"I think it gave me confidence. Being a DIII athlete helped me compete in all situations and have a successful athletic career. I think it built my confidence of going into the workforce and using those experiences in a positive way."

When did you realize you wanted to be a head coach?

"I kind of realized that I wanted to be a coach while going to school here. I didn't know if I truly envisioned being a college coach, but throughout the years and getting experience here as an assistant coach, I really put some thought into it, and couldn't have a better career." 

Why did you choose Salem State and what drew your interest?

"One of the big reasons that drew me here was coach O'Neill. Just a guy that had been here for a long time, but also the success that he had with the program, that's probably the first thing. The second thing I would say, was when I had my visit on campus. Seeing the rink on-campus was a huge, huge part of it and being able to not have to travel and go to a rink was another big part of it. Also the campus, I liked that it was close to home and I just had a really good feeling when I stepped on campus here."   

What were some of the positive aspects of being a DIII athlete?

"The big thing was just being able to play a big role on a team. I didn't want to be an in and out of the lineup type player and coming here allowed me to step in and be one of the top six players right away, and it was the best decision that I have ever made."  

Did you ever envision as a student that you would one day be coaching at Salem State?

"I didn't know if I realistically thought of it, after playing for a coach that had been here for so long. I kind of always thought when coach O'Neill retired I didn't want the role after him and again I think when he retired I didn't fully think that it was a realistic opportunity. However, after going through the application process and interview process I thought about it more and I wanted it more and everything worked out and I couldn't ask for a better situation. Being able to take over from my mentor is a very rare occasion, but very special."

What advice would you give athletes who aspire to become head coaches? 

"First of all you aren't going to make tons of money to start and you have to get experience and a lot of time that takes either volunteering or a very low paying job, so it is tough. If you can get through the first couple of years and get experience under your belt, I think there is a lot of opportunity for you in the future."