Bethel University
Head Coach Chris McKelvie has been selected by FCA as the
recipient of the 2022 John Olver Character Coach Award. This award was presented on April 22, 2022, at the American Hockey Coaches Association’s
(AHCA) annual national convention in Naples, Florida. The award is sponsored by
Albers Aerospace, a leading Aerospace company that provides services and
products to both government and private sector companies.
FCA Northland Region Vice President Brian Conklin
said, “On behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Northland
Region, we would like to congratulate Chris and his family on being named the
John Olver Character Coach for 2022. We are extremely blessed to have you as
part of the FCA family and coaching at Bethel University. A coach today plays
one of the most meaningful roles in the life of a young student athlete. Thanks
for being faithful to the calling of disciple making through coaching.”
Chris McKelvie
began his coaching career in 2016-17 when he served as an assistant coach with
Army West Point before moving to Bethel University in 2018 to become their head
hockey coach. The Royals concluded the 2021-22 season with an overall record of
15-11-1, and posted a winning percentage of .574, their best winning mark since
2007-08. More importantly, McKelvie is a transformational leader who encourages
and motivates his players to live sacrificial, Christ-centered lives.
“I am thrilled that the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes has chosen Chris as the second recipient of the John Olver Character
Coach Award. In his 4 years at Bethel, Chris has made such an impact on our
men’s hockey program. The on-ice improvement speaks for itself, but the
significant impact he has made on his student-athletes is profound. I am so
grateful for Chris’ heart for his players and his influence on their faith
journey,” said Greg Peterson, Director of Athletics Bethel University.
The John Olver
Character Coach Award is presented annually to a hockey coach who exemplifies
the Christian principles of Service, Excellence, Dedication, and Love—both on
and off the ice. In 2021, Coach John Olver himself was honored as the inaugural
recipient of the award.
To learn more about FCA Hockey, visit fcahockey.org.
-FCA-
Photos courtesy of Bethel University Athletics