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Ian Clark, former Canucks goalie coach, takes on new role in organization
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    Ian Clark, former Canucks goalie coach, takes on new role in organization

    The Vancouver Canucks have made some changes to their goaltending coaching staff.

    The club announced Wednesday that Abbotsford Canucks development coach and goaltending coach Marko Torenius has been promoted to goaltending coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

    The move comes as the result of the Canucks’ current head goalie coach and director of goaltending, Ian Clark, transitioning to a new role as a goalie scout and goaltending development coach.

    According to Vancouver, Clark requested a new position.

    “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 general manager Patrik Allvin in a statement from the team.

    “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 has worked with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks for the past two seasons. Clark, meanwhile, is currently in his second stint with the NHL organization. He was a part of the coaching staff from 2002-10 before returning to the team in 2018. He signed a multi-year contract extension in 2021.

    The Canucks are expected to run with a goaltending tandem of starter Thatcher Demko and backup Arturs Silovs for the upcoming season, however, it was reported Tuesday that the team could be looking to add some additional depth.

    According to Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, speaking on Sportsnet 650’s Halford and Brough show, the team has begun “poking around the goalie market,” possibly looking to invite someone to training camp on a professional tryout.

    Not much is known about the status or timeline for Demko, who was injured during Game 1 of the Canucks’ first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators.

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    Ian Clark, a highly respected and experienced goalie coach in the NHL, has recently taken on a new role within the Vancouver Canucks organization. Clark, who has been with the team since 2010, has been instrumental in the development of several top goaltenders, including Jacob Markstrom and Thatcher Demko.

    Clark’s new role within the organization will see him take on a more senior position, overseeing the development of all goaltenders within the Canucks system. This move comes as no surprise, given Clark’s reputation as one of the best goalie coaches in the league.

    Under Clark’s guidance, the Canucks have seen significant improvement in their goaltending department. Markstrom, in particular, has flourished under Clark’s tutelage, becoming one of the top goaltenders in the league. Demko, who has shown great promise as a young goaltender, has also benefited greatly from Clark’s coaching.

    Clark’s attention to detail and innovative coaching techniques have been credited with helping goaltenders reach their full potential. His ability to connect with his players on a personal level and tailor his coaching to their individual needs has set him apart as a top goalie coach in the NHL.

    With Clark taking on a more senior role within the organization, Canucks fans can expect to see continued growth and development from the team’s goaltenders. Clark’s expertise and dedication to his craft make him a valuable asset to the organization, and his new role will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team as a whole.

    In conclusion, Ian Clark’s new role within the Vancouver Canucks organization is a testament to his skill and dedication as a goalie coach. His influence on the team’s goaltenders has been significant, and his promotion to a more senior position is well-deserved. Canucks fans can look forward to continued success in the goaltending department under Clark’s leadership.