The Westside Warriors are very pleased to announce that their first and only coach to date, Mark Howell, has accepted the position of Head Coach at the University of Calgary, which competes in the CIS.
Mark was hired three years ago and has helped to build the program into one of the top franchises in the BCHL's Interior Conference. In his time with the club, the Warriors have made the playoffs, competed for the Interior Conference Final and the team has been recognized for the hard effort they put forth.
“Mark is an excellent coach and he accomplished what we asked him to do in Westside,” Warriors President and GM Gary Gelinas says. “He built the culture, created the vision of what it means to be a Warrior, understood the professional manner in which we wanted to operate and we could not be more pleased for him and his family.”
“To move to the next level, in a role that is considered one of the best in hockey, is a great opportunity for him. We are all about developing people and moving them on. Mark has earned this opportunity and we fully support him. On behalf of the entire organization, we want to thank Mark and his family for all they have done for the organization, the community, and the contribution to building our franchise.”
“I would first like to thank the Westside Warriors for everything they have done for me and my family,” Howell says. “Our time in Westside has provided us with friendships, memories, and experiences that will last a lifetime. This is a place that felt like home. Leaving here will be difficult, but we will always come to visit the many people we have met.”
“Secondly, and most importantly the opportunity to move up and coach university hockey provides me a new challenge in my professional life. What I have learned over the last eight years coaching junior hockey will provide me with the knowledge required to lead the University of Calgary Dinos. I would like to thank the fans, the community, the volunteers and the management of Westside Warriors Hockey Club. I thank the players for their work ethic, commitment to the team, and the coaching staff. Everyone has made the last 3 years a wonderful experience. I wish the Warriors much success in the coming years.”
