Mark French (ice hockey)

Mark French is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach who currently coaches the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

Early career

A native of Milton, Ontario, French played college hockey at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, serving as assistant captain for three years there and received the prestigious "212 Degrees" annual award all four seasons, presented to the athlete who demonstrates leadership, commitment and excellence on the ice.

Prior to his assistant coaching duties with Hershey, he was the head coach at Wilfrid Laurier University from 2002–04 and was head coach and director of hockey operations for the Wichita Thunder (CHL) from 2005-07. French also coached in the ECHL with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies during the 2004-05 season, walking the bench as assistant coach as the Bullies posted a 42-21-9 record.

Hershey Bears

He became an assistant with the Bears in January 2008, and was named the franchise's 23rd head coach in 2009 following the promotion of Bob Woods to Washington. In his first season, French guided the Bears to an AHL record 60 wins and the team's eleventh Calder Cup. French coached in Hershey for four seasons, compiling a 180-100-32 record. He currently ranks third in AHL history in winning percentage among coaches with at least 300 games.[1]

Zagreb Medveščak

In June 2013, French took the head coaching position for the newly-formed KHL Medveščak Zagreb of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Calgary Hitmen

French left Medveščak Zagreb after one season for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League in June 2014.[2]

Fribourg-Gottéron

On May 28, 2017, French became the head coach of HC Fribourg-Gottéron, signing a two-year deal with the NLA team.

Wheeling Nailers

On June 8, 2020, French became the head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.[3]

Personal life

He lives in Calgary with his wife Kimberly. They have two children, Ellie and William.

Career statistics
    Regular season
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM
1995-96Brock UniversityCIAU2023528
CIAU totals2023528

References
  1. "Mark French named Nailers' head coach". www.echl.com. Retrieved 2020-06-08.
  2. "Mark French revealed as Calgary Hitmen's new head coach". Yahoo! Sports. 2014-06-12.
  3. "Mark French named Nailers' head coach". www.echl.com. Retrieved 2020-06-08.
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