Prince George, BC – Prince George Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson announced today that Mark Holick (Saskatoon, SK) has been named the 10th head coach of the Prince George Cougars Hockey Club. Holick most recently served as head coach of the Syracuse Crunch (American Hockey League, 2010-2012) and the Kootenay Ice (Western Hockey League, 2007-2010).
“I’m really excited to get going,” said Holick who hopes to arrive in Prince George in time to watch tonight’s game. “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 Kootenay to an overall record of 120-75-0-21 and a winning percentage of .604. Holick won WHL Coach of the Year honors in 2009-2010.
“We’re extremely excited to name Mark our head coach,” said Prince George Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson. “He brings with him an excellent winning record, pro experience and will bring an exciting new approach to our players and fans.”
“We’re going to command a work ethic, commitment and pride in being part of an organization in the Western Hockey League,” adds Holick. “We want to be the hardest working team on the ice, and when you do that, you win more than you lose.”
He also had great success at the Jr. A level, leading the South Surrey Eagles to a Royal Bank Cup victory in 1997-98. Holick spent 13 years as either a head or assistant coach in both the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). His teams included: Vernon (BCHL, 2006-07), St. Albert/Spruce Grove (AJHL, 2003-06), South Surrey (BCHL, 1996-2002), Langley (BCHL, 1995-96) and Penticton (BCHL, 1994-95).
Holick also played professionally for four seasons (1989-1994). In 142 professional games with Adirondack (AHL), Louisville (ECHL) and Dallas (CHL) he totalled 30 goals, 43 assists and added 635 penalty minutes. He was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 11th round (216th overall) in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.
Holick will be joined in Prince George by wife Janet, son Cooper and daughter Kennedy.
