A longtime coaching education program
instructor, Dr. Charles “Chip” J. Burke III is well
known throughout the hockey community for his
extensive contributions to the safety education of USA Hockey coaches. Burke attended his first USA Hockey coaching clinic in October 1997, and has continued his involvement with the CEP ever since. He created the safety video that is used in all current Level 1-3 clinic presentations, and has spoken at countless events and given presentations on player safety and concussions at coaching clinics of every level. An orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and a leading expert on concussion research, Burke, a Level 4 Coach, has been USA Hockey’s Mid-American District Associate Coach-in-Chief since 2003. He also has served on the organization’s Safety and Protective Equipment Committee for the last 15 years. Furthermore, he helps organize and run Level 1-3 coaching clinics in Western Pennsylvania. Previously, Burke served as the team physician for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins for 24 years and is a member of the club’s Hall of Fame. He also was team physician for multiple U.S. National and Olympic Teams. Originally from Boston, Burke graduated from Harvard University, where he earned a varsity letter in ice hockey, and the University of Cincinnati Medical College. He completed a residency program in orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and a fellowship in traumatology at the AO International Institute in Graz, Austria. Board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Burke is a clinical associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine department of Orthopedic Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the American Medical Association.

The Walter Yaciuk Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a consistent commitment and contribution to the education and development of USA Hockey coaches.