Mark Ferner Introduced As Silvertips Head Coach

This is posted on the Everett Silvertips website:

Jul 06, 2011

Mark Ferner Introduced as Head Coach

Mark Ferner was introduced as Head Coach of the Everett Silvertips at a press conference inside the Edward J. Hansen Convention Center Wednesday afternoon.

Ferner, 45, joins the Silvertips after four years with the Vernon Vipers, whom he led to three consecutive Fred Page Cups as BCHL champions. Under his guidance, the Vipers posted a record of 165-51-24, winning the Royal Bank Cup as Canadian Jr. A Champions in 2009 and 2010, and finishing as runners up in 2011. During his tenure, Vernon participated in 98 post-season games, which includes Mowat Cup, Doyle Cup, and Royal Bank Cup contests. The Vipers were 16-2 in Royal Bank Cup games under Ferner.

“It’s a true honor to be named Head Coach of the Everett Silvertips,” Ferner said. “I’ve been a fan of this organization since they came into the league with Doug at the helm. This is a successful team with stable ownership and fans who are second to none, as we all know.”

Ferner is a veteran of 16 years of professional hockey, including parts of six seasons in the National Hockey League with the Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Detroit Red Wings. He was originally drafted by Buffalo in the 10th round of the 1983 NHL Draft after playing three seasons in the WHL with the Kamloops Jr. Oilers and Blazers. He was a member of the Blazers coaching staff from 2002-06, which included a year and a half as Head Coach.

He replaces Craig Hartsburg, who stepped down from Everett in June to become the Associate Coach with the NHL’s Calgary Flames after posting a record of 74-54-16 in two seasons.

“We’re very happy to have Mark join our organization as Head Coach,” Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert said. “He brings with him impressive credentials of winning hockey games and developing players, and we all look forward to working with him in the upcoming year.”

The Silvertips will face off against the Kelowna Rockets in the ninth home opener in club history at 7:05 pm on Saturday, September 24th at Comcast Arena. For the complete 2011-12 schedule, please visit http://www.everettsilvertips.com/.