COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Hockey announced today that Jayson Hron (Grand Rapids, Minn.) has been named manager of youth hockey communications.

Hron (pronounced ROHN) brings an extensive, diverse communications and marketing background to USA Hockey, having served in a variety of public relations, brand management, marketing and writing capacities.

Most recently, Hron was a public relations specialist in the financial services industry. Prior to that, he worked in the University of Minnesota Duluth athletic communications department, earning a pair of publication awards from the College Sports Information Directors of America, and also with the United States Hockey League as communications director. He began his career in the newspaper industry, serving as a sportswriter, editor and designer in Duluth, Minn., where he earned honors from the Minnesota Newspaper Association.

Hron has a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Minnesota Duluth and earned his master’s degree in mass communications, with a public relations and advertising emphasis, from St. Cloud State University.

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Jayson,” said Dave Fischer, USA Hockey’s senior director of communications. “His varied background, coupled with his passion for hockey, will be a big asset in our continued effort to showcase what is happening in and around youth hockey throughout the country."

Hron will begin his duties with USA Hockey on Monday.