WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), made a significant announcement on March 27, 2025, revealing that associate head coach and assistant general manager Chris Clark will step back from coaching duties following the 2024-25 season. Clark will transition into a full-time management and administrative role, continuing as the team's assistant general manager while also taking on the responsibilities of the club's Director of Hockey Operations.
Clark, a familiar face within the Wenatchee organization since its inception in 2008, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has had during his tenure. "I am extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to stand behind the bench here in Wenatchee since 2008," said Clark. "I am very thankful for all the great coaches and players that I got to work with and alongside during that time, and I am excited for this next chapter and the new challenges ahead. I would like to thank the White family and Bliss for this opportunity and all they do for me and my family."
Having begun his career with the Wild as a goaltending coach, Clark quickly climbed the ranks to become an assistant coach, and eventually took over head coaching duties from December 2019 to the end of the 2022-23 season. In his time with the Wild, he has coached more than 1,100 regular season and postseason games, establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s history.
During his impressive tenure, Clark has played a pivotal role in the Wild's success on both the American junior hockey scene and within Canadian ranks. His teams have achieved three division championship runs, secured two regular-season league titles, and clinched the 2018 British Columbia Hockey League crown. His contributions have been invaluable, and he is regarded as a significant reason for the on-ice success the Wild have enjoyed.
Wild general manager Bliss Littler praised Clark's impact on the organization, stating, "The Wild thank Chris for his 17 years on the bench for our club. He has been a huge reason for the on-ice success that the Wild have enjoyed. Chris has a great analytical mind that makes him a no-brainer to move into a full-time role in management. He will have a larger role in the building of the Wild team and looking after the day-to-day hockey operations of the Wild. I have spent a lot of time with Chris over the last 13 years, and respect Chris as a very good hockey man as well as an outstanding person, family man, and friend. Nobody puts the Wenatchee Wild first more than Chris Clark.”
Clark's journey into coaching followed a successful playing career, which included a four-year NCAA Division I stint at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota. He also played two years in the British Columbia Hockey League, where he was instrumental in leading the Victoria Salsa to a BCHL Fred Page Cup championship in 2001. Remarkably, he hoisted another Fred Page Cup 17 years later as an assistant coach for the Wenatchee Wild.
The announcement of Clark's transition comes as the Wild begin searching for a second assistant coach to join the team. The organization has expressed its gratitude for Clark's extensive contributions behind the bench over the past 17 years and looks forward to his continued success in his new role.
As the Wenatchee Wild prepares for the future, the leadership of Chris Clark in management is expected to bring a wealth of experience and insight to the team's operations. His deep understanding of the game and commitment to the organization will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of the Wild.
With Chris Clark stepping into his new role, the Wenatchee Wild are poised to continue their growth and success in the WHL, underlining the importance of strong leadership both on and off the ice. Fans and players alike can look forward to an exciting new chapter in the history of the team as they navigate the challenges ahead.
