High profile specialty coach of Oilers rival steps aside from his role

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Liam McCormick
August 21, 2024 (9:10 PM)

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Earlier today, the Vancouver Canucks announced that goaltending coach Ian Clarke be stepping aside from his role, and now will be serving as a scout for the team.

Clarke has been with the Canucks since 2018, his second stint with the team after first joining them in the early 2000s. He's been highly praised for his work developing young goalies into consistent starters. Marko Torenius, a goalie coach with the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks, will assume Clarke's role in the NHL.

The timing of this staffing move is a bit curious for two major reasons, according to a report from The Province. These coaching staff decisions are usually made much earlier in the season, and there's been some concerning reports about the Canucks goaltending situation lately. Thatcher Demko may not be healthy to start the season and has had a setback in his recovery from injury, and there's even rumours that he had a medical procedure that went unreported.

On the other hand, Ian Clarke is now 61 years old and requested the change to be away from off-ice duties, so hopefully he is in good health and is simply stepping aside for lifestyle reasons - and the relationship between him and the team is still strong.

With some questions being raised about Demko's health, the Canucks are reportedly making calls to inquire about goaltending around the league. It's likely they sign a veteran goaltender to a tryout contract in the coming weeks before camp, and it's very possible that they're required to play games early this season. If Demko can stay healthy the Canucks could be a real threat in the playoffs - but staying healthy seems to be a tall task.