Vancouver Canucks announce multiple changes to goaltending coaching staff
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announces a significant shift and multiple changes to their coaching staff.
Patrik Allvin revealed that Marko Torenius, who was formerly the Development Coach and Goaltending Coach for the Abbotsford Canucks, has been elevated to the Goaltending Coach position for the Vancouver Canucks.
Ian Clark, who previously held the roles of Head Goalie Coach and Director of Goaltending, has requested a new role and will now focus on being a goalie scout and goaltending development coach.
«When Ian approached me to say that he needed to make a change in his role to transition off the ice, we quickly went to work to find a solution,» said Allvin. «With Clarkie wanting something different at the hockey club, we were extremely fortunate to have Marko in the system and ready to take on the responsibility of becoming our new goaltending coach in Vancouver. Unfortunately, Ian can no longer go on the ice regularly to do the things that have made him successful. But this new role will fit with his expertise and having Clarkie going out to find and develop talent will be a big asset to the organization.»
Torenius brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served the Abbotsford Canucks for the past two seasons as Goaltending Coach and Development Coach.
His prior experience includes a significant tenure with SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he worked from 2014 to 2022. Torenius also held positions with Sibir Novosibirsk and the Espoo Blues of the SM-liiga, demonstrating a broad and impressive coaching background.
Clark, who is in his second stint with the Canucks, originally joined the team in July 2018 and signed a multi-year extension in June 2021. His coaching career includes a notable seven-season tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets and previous involvement with the Canucks from 2002 to 2010.
Clark has also contributed to Team Canada's World Junior Championships, winning multiple medals and serving as a consultant for various teams, including the Florida Panthers and MoDo Hockey club in Sweden.
As the 2024-25 NHL season nears, the Vancouver Canucks are facing uncertainty regarding goaltender Thatcher Demko's fitness to play.
Reports suggest Demko may not be ready, prompting the team to explore alternative goaltending options.
This coaching shake-up represents a strategic move by the Canucks to leverage their internal talent and adapt to the evolving needs of the team.
Torenius's promotion is expected to bring fresh perspectives and continuity to Vancouver's goaltending department, while Clark's new role will focus on talent scouting and development, enhancing the organization's overall depth and future prospects.
| POLL | ||
22 AOUT | 48 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks announce multiple changes to goaltending coaching staff Do you support the Vancouver Canucks' decision to promote Marko Torenius to Goaltending Coach and transition Ian Clark to a goalie scout and development coach? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 58.3 % |
| No | 20 | 41.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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