Cougars name new head coach
The Prince George Cougars have hired Mark Holick as their head coach.
Holick replaces Dean Clark, who was fired on Tuesday after guiding the team for three and a half seasons.
Holick's latest coaching role was with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (2010 to 2012). Before that gig, he was head coach of the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice (2007 to 2010).
Holick, a Saskatoon, Sask. product, looks forward to the challenge of filling the head coaching role with the Cougars.
"I'm really excited to get going," Holick stated in a press release. "I'm happy to be back in the Western Hockey League, and my family and I are looking forward to being a part of the community in Prince George."
Under Holick, the Kootenay Ice made the playoffs in each of his three seasons behind the bench. He coached the Ice to an overall record of 120 wins, 75 losses, zero overtime setbacks and 21 shootout defeats (120-75-0-21). He was named the WHL Coach of the Year for the 2009-10 season.
The Cougars announced the hiring of Holick during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
"We're extremely excited to name Mark our head coach," Cougars general manager Dallas Thompson stated in a release. "He brings with him an excellent winning record, pro experience and will bring an exciting new approach to our players and fans."
Holick also spent 13 years as either a head or assistant coach in the B.C. Hockey League and Alberta Junior Hockey League. He played professionally for four seasons (1989 to 1994) and was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 11th round (216th overall) of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.
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