What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
The University of Regina Rams on Thursday officially announced Mark McConkey as their head coach.
He had been serving as the Canada West football team’s interim head coach for almost two years after former head coach Steve Bryce stepped down in February of 2020.
McConkey moved from assistant coach and offensive co-ordinator to the interim position and guided the team through the COVID season in 2020 and through the pandemic-shortened 2021 campaign.
The highlight of McConkey’s interim season came in the team’s home opener in October, when the Rams pulled out a 34-21 win over the University of Calgary Dinos — a team that entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation.
McConkey is the first former Rams player to be named head coach of the university team.
He was a very successful receiver for the school and still ranks third in team history in receptions and seventh in receiving yards.
“It’s truly an honour to be named the head coach of a program that has done so much for me,” McConkey said Thursday. “The Rams program made me into the man I am today. It has taught me so many life skills and shaped my values.
“Despite being born in Calgary, Regina is home for me. I’ve been part of the Rams program for 15 consecutive years as a player, volunteer coach and a full-time coach. The Rams is all I know.”
McConkey says he envisions the Rams becoming the gold standard for student-athletes, creating a strong team culture in the process.
“I want parents of recruits to feel confident when they send their son to Regina to play for me. When people hear the word ‘Rams’ in the community, I want them to think of a program of excellence and a program that creates young leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
“The success of this program will be multifaceted. It’s going to be through football player development, academics and community. We need to have a culture of competition in everything we do on the field, in academics and in the community. We need to have a growth mindset and always be willing to learn and get better to be the best versions of ourselves.”
McConkey is excited to move into the official position of head coach, and he’s excited for what the future holds for the team.
“I know we have all the right pieces in the program to have a successful program,” he said. “Now let’s go win a Vanier Cup.”