Canucks Announce Changes to Goaltending Coaching and Development
Canucks Announce Changes to Goaltending Coaching and Development
Marko Torenius has been promoted to the NHL, while Ian Clark assumes a new role.
Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that Development Coach and Goaltending Coach of the Abbotsford Canucks Marko Torenius, has been promoted to Goaltending Coach of the Vancouver Canucks. Current Head Goalie Coach and Director of Goaltending Ian Clark asked for a new position with the team and will now work as a goalie scout and goaltending development coach.
“When Ian expressed his need to shift his role and step away from the ice, we immediately sought a solution,” stated Allvin. “We were lucky to have Marko already within our ranks and prepared to assume the role of our new goaltending coach in Vancouver, particularly as Clarkie wished for a change at the hockey club. Regrettably, Ian can no longer regularly be on the ice, which was a significant factor in his success. However, his new role aligns with his skill set and Clarkie’s talent scouting and development will greatly benefit the organization.”
Torenius has dedicated the last two seasons to serving as a Goaltending Coach for the AHL Canucks and developing their goaltending prospects. Before his tenure in Abbotsford, he was the Goaltending Coach for SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) from 2014-2022. Prior to SKA, Torenius worked for two seasons as the Goaltending Coach for the KHL’s Sibir Novosibirsk and spent seven seasons as the Team Manager and Goaltending Coach for the Espoo Blues in the SM-liiga.
Currently in his second tenure with the organization, Clark returned to the team in July 2018 and signed a multi-year contract extension in June 2021. Prior to his existing role in Vancouver, he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization for seven seasons. Born in Vancouver, Clark also held a position in the Canucks’ coaching staff from 2002 to 2010. His resume also includes working with Team Canada’s coaching staff at the World Junior Championships from 2003 to 2006, where they won silver in 2003 and 2004, and gold in 2005 and 2006. In addition, he was a consultant for the Florida Panthers in the 2001-02 season and for Sweden’s MoDo Hockey club.