The Rhinos have named Mike McCreary as the NAHL team’s new General Manager. He replaces Steve Jennings who recently accepted an Assistant Coaching role with the Air Force Academy.
Mike, the son of Hockey Hall of Fame referee Bill McCreary, says he was destined to be involved in the sport. His large hockey family also includes an NHL Coach, five NHL Players, a Hobey Baker winner, and an NHL GM. McCreary grew up playing hockey and, at the age of 16, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an on-ice official. He spent 20 years officiating in various leagues including the OHL, NAHL, WHL, USHL, WSHL, ECHL, AHL, and WCHA. He also refereed several IIHF international events during his officiating career.
After his referee career ended, he heeded the advice of legendary USHL Coach P.K. O’Handley and began working in Hockey Operations. He worked as a volunteer, a scout, and a video analyst before becoming an Agent/Advisor alongside Tim Madsen at NexLevel Hockey.
McCreary has an extensive history with the Rhinos. He officiated the Thorne Cup Finals in El Paso in 2018 when El Paso captured their third WSHL championship. In 2021, McCreary was named the Rhinos’ NAHL Midwest Scout and a season later, he was promoted to the organization’s Director of Scouting. Over the past year, his duties have included scouting staff development and player procurement, namely drafting and tendering future Rhinos. McCreary has been instrumental in building the Rhinos’ 2023-24 roster.
“Over the years, I have developed an unbelievable amount of respect for Corey Herman and Corey Heon,” McCreary said. “Rhino Country is a great fit for me because I embody what it is to be a Rhino. I am a relentless worker with the desire, hunger, and the willingness to do what it takes to achieve our goals.”
As the Rhinos look to improve upon their first two seasons in the NAHL, McCreary’s goal is simple: “I want to recruit and develop the best group of young athletes on and off the ice as we pursue the Robertson Cup.”
