N. Thomas Berry, Jr.

Commissioner Emeritus

Central Hockey League Commissioner Emeritus N. Thomas Berry brings a wealth of experience to the Central Hockey League, entering his 16th season with the CHL. Tom previously served as an on-ice official with the “old” CHL, and spent 14 years with the International Hockey League, serving a variety of executive capacities. Berry served as the IHL’s Commissioner from 1989-1994, when the IHL experienced the most successful period of growth in the League’s 55-year history.

During the last three seasons of his time with the IHL, Tom served as the IHL’s Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey operations, overseeing such areas as game operations, coordination of officials and player discipline. An Indianapolis resident, Berry is well known for his commitment to hockey in the community and the state, and was the principle investor in the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association from 1974-77.

During the summer of 2010, Berry was recognized as the name of the CHL’s Southern Conference (Berry Conference) and the N. Thomas Berry trophy was awarded to the conference's 2011 and 2012 champions.

The CHL's Commitment Cup (presented by Willis of Texas and awarded in the month of January during each season) also takes his name - The Willis of Texas/N. Thomas Berry Commitment Cup

Tom and his wife, Maripat, have five children and 12 grandchildren.