Churla joined the Panthers as director of amateur scouting for the 2020-21 season. He helped the Cats capture the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons in 2024 and 2025.

Prior to joining the Panthers, Churla served seven seasons with the Montreal Canadiens scouting staff (2013-14 to 2019-20) including four seasons as the club's Director of Amateur Scouting and three as Chief of Amateur Scouting.

The native of Fernie, British Columbia served as an amateur scout for the Dallas Stars for seven seasons (2005-06 to 2012-13) and five seasons as an amateur scout for the Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes (2000-01 to 2004-05).

Originally selected by the Hartford Whalers in the sixth round (110th overall) of the 1985 NHL Draft, Churla played 488 career games for Hartford, the Calgary Flames, Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers registering 71 points (26-45-71) and 2,301 PIM.