Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) today announced the appointment of Chris Armstrong as President of Hockey Operations for the Utah Hockey Club, Utah's first NHL team and the league's newest club. Armstrong will also serve as Acting Governor. In his new role, Armstrong will be responsible for leading SEG's NHL franchise and will work closely with business and hockey operations, SEG's ownership and senior leadership team to build a world-class organization in Utah.
“We are excited to welcome Chris to the SEG leadership team,” said Ryan Smith, Utah Hockey Club Board Member and founder of Smith Entertainment Group. “Throughout his career, he has built strong relationships with some of the top players, agents and executives in hockey. His unique background and diverse skill set will be invaluable in delivering the best hockey experience for our community, fans, players, coaches and front office.”
Armstrong joins Utah after nearly 14 years with Wasserman, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Talent, Innovation and Strategic Development. He was a key player in establishing the company's Canadian operations in 2010 and in advising on the acquisition strategy that established the company's hockey business in 2018. He continues to be involved in the growth of the company's hockey business, maintaining high-level relationships with the league and its partners and supporting the marketing, content and brand activities of top players. He also negotiated contracts for some of the most prominent hockey executives within the NHL over the past decade. During his tenure, Armstrong was a key member of the executive leadership group for Wasserman's global golf business, where he managed the careers of some of the top players and notable names in professional golf, including Utah native Tony Finau.
Amstrong is Sports Business Journal Armstrong is a 2021 40 Under 40 honoree and in 2013 received one of the prestigious “5 to Watch” awards as the top executive under 40 in the Canadian sport industry. In 2012, he received his second Outstanding Alumni Award from Brock University and was named one of the top 35 graduates of the past 35 years. Armstrong was the youngest executive ever selected for the award. The Globe and MailHe was named to the Sport Power 50 list in 2011. A passionate philanthropist and community activist, he currently serves as Chair of the Canadian Board of Directors for Global Citizen and on the boards of several athlete foundations.
A native of Montreal, Armstrong attended McGill University where he was scouted by men's hockey coach Martin Raymond. He moved to video and student assistant coaching under Raymond and continued to work as a part-time amateur scout for McGill in the Ontario Hockey League while completing a degree in sports management at Brock University. He began his professional career with IMG in Toronto in 2004.
