New Kamloops Blazers associate coach is Penticton’s Mark Holick

Mark Holick has been named as the new associate coach of the Kamloops Blazers.

“I am very excited to be back in the WHL and join the Kamloops Blazers,” Holick said in a Kamloops Blazers media release. He served as the head coach for the Kootenay and Prince George WHL teams, and was named WHL Coach of the Year in 2010.

Holick, who’s from Penticton, spent the past three seasons coaching the Yale Hockey Academy U18 Prep team. Aside from the WHL, he also has experience coaching teams in the AJHL, BCHL, AHL and with Hockey Canada.

Before becoming a coach, Holick was a WHL player from 1984 to 1988 as a member of the Saskatoon Blades and New Westminster Bruins. He then spent four years playing pro.

“Mark is a career hockey coach. He is personable and passionate and bring with him a wealth of coaching experience from minor hockey, junior and pro,” Blazers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston said in the release.

READ MORE: Kamloops Blazers head coach assumes GM duties

The new Blazers associate coach will be replacing Cory Clouston, who recently stepped down.

“Leaving the team was a difficult decision, but one I had to make for personal reasons,” said Cory said in the release. “I want to thank Tom Gaglardi and Matt Bardsley for the opportunity to join the Blazers. It was a very rewarding two seasons working alongside my brother, Shaun, and the rest of the hockey operations staff. I want to thank all of the players for their dedication and commitment they displayed on winning back-to-back BC Division championships and wish the organization the best in the upcoming season.”

Cory joined the Blazers for two full seasons, and helped the hockey club win back-to-back B.C. Division Championships both years. He did so alongside his brother Shaun, the Blazers head coach and general manager.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to go work with my brother the last two years,” Shaun said in the release. “Cory brought a level of professionalism and commitment to our team on a daily basis. He played a key role in making sure our players were well prepared for each and every game.” 

The Blazers 2021-2022 season begins on Oct. 2 with a road game against the Prince George Cougars.

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