Mark has officially called it quits. He announced his retirement after accepting a position reportedly within the Marlies staff.
Primarily known as Gio Mark, he made his Mark (see what I did there?) with the Flames from 2008 to 2021. Mark won the James Norris Trophy in the 2018-2019 season. He was probably even better defensively than offensively. What made him so good was that he instinctively knew where the play was going on the defensive ends. His stick would break on 2-on-1 breaks, either by blocking the pass or defying the shots. Mark was constantly among the best shot blockers in the league.
Mark was also a leader in the dressing room. He won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. The trophy awarded to him demonstrates leadership skills in his community and the dressing room. Mark and his wife were known in Calgary for their charitable work through the Team Giordano foundation. Team Giordano partnered with the Calgary Board of Education to provide resources for low-income schools.
Mark played in the 2015, 2016, and 2020 All-Star Games and was a first-team all-star in 2020. He ended his illustrious career with the last three years in Toronto, where he was indeed another coach on the ice. His best year for points was 2018, with 74 points. Gio's record for the most goals was 21 in 2015. The Flames lost Gio in the Seattle expansion draft and traded him to the Leafs.
Why this is a good hire for the Marlies
Michael will be great with the kids. He will teach them how to be defensive, responsible, and how to make it into the big leagues. With 16 years of experience as one of the most offensive responsible defencemen in the league, he will be a great coach for these kids. A great hire by The Mapleleaf organization.
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