The Manchester Monarchs’ 3-1 win over the Norfolk Admirals on Wednesday didn’t only signify an important victory by a conference-leading team with a roster in flux, it represented the 300th professional win by head coach Mark Morris.
No other hockey coach has collected 300 wins both at the professional and collegiate level. All 300 of his professional wins came with the Monarchs, while all 300 of his collegiate wins came at Clarkson University.
“I’m still emotional, but at the same time, I’m a lot more savvy to realize that you can’t control anything,” Morris told ManchesterMonarchs.com. “I realized that at this age, when you admit your frailties, you can endear yourself to your players. I think that as a young coach, oftentimes, you strive for milestones just to prove that you’re somebody. In the end, I think it’s the relationships that you build, watching teams and watching individuals grow. That’s the most satisfying part.”
The winningest coach in club history, Morris led the Monarchs to a divisional title and a conference finals appearance in 2006-07, his first year with the team. Though the team reached the conference finals once again in 2009-10, the Monarchs have never appeared in a Calder Cup Final.
This year may be different. Manchester leads the Eastern Conference with 23 points and a 10-2-3 record.
Through 567 games with the Monarchs, Morris boasts a career record of 300-232-34.
ManchesterMonarchs.com: Morris Stands Alone At 300
ManchesterMonarchs.com: 300
TheAHL.com: Morris earns 300th coaching win
New Hampshire Union-Leader: Monarchs take Norfolk to school, earn coach historic win
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