Mark Ferner played junior for the Kamloops Blazers before he embarked on his 15-year professional career. Mark spent time in the AHL, IHL, DEL and also the NHL, with the Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and Detroit Red Wings.

Upon his retirement as a player, Mark started a new career as coach for the expansion Vancouver Giants of the WHL. Coaching would take Mark back to Kamloops where he would get his first head coaching job with the Blazers. Mark went on to coach for the next 16 years with 9 seasons in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers where he was also the GM.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the BCHL, it is the top Junior A league in Canada and is an NCAA Div I hockey factory.

With the Vipers Mark accomplished something few coaches can claim, he led his team to 3 consecutive National Championships, winning twice.

Most recently Mark served as amateur scout for the Buffalo Sabres.

I first met Mark after a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings initially assigned me to their IHL affiliate in Long Beach. Mark was 11 years older than me, a veteran, and a leader. He made me feel comfortable and a part of things while I was with the Ice Dogs.

Little did either of us know that 7 years later Mark would be coaching a Junior A team in my hometown. But that’s the way hockey works… it’s a

small world… and reminds you constantly that being a good human matters. Once your career is done all you have left are the memories and the relationships you made along the way.

Mark brings a treasure trove of experience with him as a guest. He has seen it all and knows what it takes to succeed in the sport. He also happens to tell a great story.

Enjoy the episode.