Sept. 12, 2008

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association today announced that Fred Pletsch has been promoted to the position of Associate Commissioner and Courtney Welch has been promoted to the position of Director of Communications and Community Relations.

“These promotions are both well-earned and reflect the high level of commitment, professionalism and dedicated service that both bring to the CCHA, our member institutions and college hockey,” stated Commissioner Tom Anastos in making the announcement.

Pletsch, who is beginning his eighth season with the conference and has served as Director of Communications since September of 2001, will continue to focus on fulfillment of the league’s broadcasting agreements while also coordinating the conference’s in-house video component, CCHA Productions. In addition, he will continue to coordinate CCHA scheduling, the annual CCHA Awards show and other events hosted by the league.

Courtney Welch, CCHA Director of Communications & Community Relations, coordinates the Hockey is Fun program, which has introduced hockey to over 1,500 kids in three seasons.

Welch is starting her seventh season with the CCHA and most recently held the title of Communications Manager. She will continue to work closely with the CCHA’s Director of Officials, Steve Piotrowski, in coordinating the league’s on-ice officiating program while also overseeing production of the conference’s print publications, CCHA.com and conference hosted events. Her community relations projects include expansion of the popular ‘Hockey is Fun’ program and continuation of the ‘Road to the Joe’ tour that visits CCHA campuses to promote the CCHA Championship in Detroit.

Both appointments are effective immediately.