Chris Nell has been hired as the new goaltending coach and director of hockey operations for the Colgate University men’s hockey program.
“Chris has rapidly ascended through the goalie coaching ranks, and we are so excited to have him join our staff,” said head coach Mike Harder. “His ability to teach the position, think through the game, and push our student-athletes to get better every day will be an enormous asset to our Colgate Hockey community. His passion is both evident and contagious.”
Nell arrives in Hamilton after serving as the assistant/goalie coach with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League in 2023-24. He coached Adam Gajan, who finished fourth in the USHL in wins (23) after playing the third most minutes, and Gavin Moffat, who ranked 11th in save percentage (.900).
He got his start in collegiate coaching at Division III Marian University, where he spent the last two years as the goalie coach for both the men’s and women’s programs.
Nell played professional hockey from 2017 to 2022. He spent 110 games in the ECHL, posting a 3.33 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. Nell also recorded a 3.18 GAA and a .893 save percentage in 31 AHL games.
He played college hockey at Bowling Green University. As a sophomore, Nell earned First Team All-WCHA honors after recording one of the best seasons in program history. He set the Bowling Green record in goals-against average (1.91) and save percentage (.930) while posting an 18-11-6 record. As a junior, Nell totaled 807 saves and logged a 2.15 GAA and a .916 save percentage. He finished atop the Bowling Green record book in career shutouts (11), career save percentage (.922) and career GAA (2.07).
Nell graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2022 with a bachelors degree in organizational leadership.
