Former OHL star named Greyhounds new goalie coach

NEWS RELEASE
SOO GREYHOUNDS
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The Soo Greyhounds are pleased to announce the hiring of Mark Visentin as the team’s goaltending coach heading into the 2023-24 season.

"We are very fortunate to be able to add Mark to our coaching staff. Mark is someone who has lived experience being an elite goaltender at the junior level. He has the ability to relate to the highs - as well as the adversity that junior level goaltenders face. His experience and meticulous attention to detail will not only benefit our goaltenders, but our entire roster. When speaking with Mark, his passion for developing players on and off the ice is very evident. We're looking forward to seeing the impact he has on our group," stated Greyhounds GM Kyle Raftis.

“It’s an honour and privilege to become part of the Soo Greyhounds. I have much respect for the organization’s effort to give the players every chance to develop and succeed,” started Visentin.

A native of Waterdown Ont., Visentin (31) was originally selected in the 3rd Round of the 2008 OHL Priority Selection by the Niagara IceDogs.
In 166 career regular season games played over four seasons (2008-09 to 2011-12) Mark compiled an overall record of 89-55-4-12 to go along with a 2.75 GAA and .911 save percentage.

He had 14 career shutouts along with setting a single-season record of 10 during 2011-12.

Other notable OHL accomplishments include being named OHL Goalie of the Year (2011), compiling the OHL Best GAA (1.99) in 2011, he was a two-time OHL All-Star and was the 7th goaltender in OHL history to score a goal (2012).

“I truly cherished the incredible experiences and valuable lessons gained from playing four years in the OHL, and I’m looking forward to returning as a coach, where I can pass on my knowledge and passion for the game to the next generation of talented goaltenders” the Hounds new goaltending coach added.

In the 2010 NHL Draft, Mark was selected in the 1st Round (27th overall) by the Phoenix Coyotes.

He would spend five seasons primarily in the American Hockey League, while making his NHL debut during the 2013-14 season at the age of 21.

Internationally he represented Team Canada in both the 2011 (Silver) and 2012 (Bronze) IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships and held the best GAA (1.43) at the latter tournament.

After suffering two major ankle injuries and surgeries, Mark retired from professional hockey in 2017.

Visentin, is the current owner/lead instructor of Visentin Goaltending.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with our goalie core, drawing upon my  experience to guide them in pursuing their individual and team goals. My ultimate vision is to foster a healthy environment that empowers our goalies to thrive and reach their full potential on and off the ice” concluded Mark.

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