Mark Turner returns behind the bench for the 2025–2026 season as Head Coach of the U14 AAA team, bringing over 25 years of coaching experience and a decorated professional playing career. A former 16-year professional hockey player with an additional 4 years in the Ontario Hockey League, Mark has built a career rooted in both high-level competition and player development.
He holds several advanced coaching certifications, including:
- Coach – Development 1
- High Performance 1
- Coach – Checking Skills
Mark has coached at various competitive levels, including:
- Windsor Jr Spitfires U13 AAA (ALLIANCE) – 1 year
- Sun County Panthers U16 AAA (ALLIANCE) – 2 years
- Amherstburg Admirals Jr. “C” (PJHL) – 1 year
- Lakeshore Canadiens Jr. “C” (PJHL) – 1 year
- LaSalle Vipers Jr. B (GOJHL) – 4 years
- Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – 7 years
- ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) – 4 years
- Prospects Athletics – Development Coach – 2 years
- OHF/OHL U15 Program of Excellence – 3 years
Mark’s coaching philosophy centers on developing individual skill within a structured, team-first environment. He emphasizes:
- Skill development on and off the puck
- Hockey IQ and situational awareness
- Mental toughness and character growth
He creates practice environments that are both challenging and enjoyable, with a focus on preparing players to elevate their game to the next level through consistent effort, learning, and resilience.
Mark believes the most successful players are those who listen, compete, and demonstrate a desire to learn. Inspired by Rick Adduono—his coach during two of his pro seasons—Mark strives to be both a mentor and motivator for young athletes.
Though he doesn’t cheer for a specific NHL team, Mark is a lifelong fan of the game. Off the ice, he enjoys reflecting on his hockey journey and the friendships it’s created along the way.