The Maine Mariners have announced that they have named Zach Tolkinen as the team’s assistant coach replacing Johnny McInnis, who stepped down earlier this Summer to pursue other opportunities. This will be Tolkinen’s first career coaching opportunity. For Maine, this is a very smart signing as Tolkinen played alongside Terrence Wallin for three seasons and was the Mariners’ first captain in franchise history so there should be some chemistry already between the two coaches.
Tolkinen would spend seven years as a defenseman in the ECHL spending time with the Elmira Jackals, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, Wheeling Nailers, Maine Mariners, and Fort Wayne Komets. The Lino Lakes, Minnesota native would put up 23 goals and 88 assists for 111 points in 444 regular season games. He would add a goal and assist in 17 career Kelly Cup Playoff Games.
“I’m looking forward to the players getting into town and exited to work with Terrence and staff,” said Tolkinen. “Portland is a destination spot in this league with a great city, arena and passionate fans. I’m so excited to be back with the Mariners and can’t wait to get the season going!”
-Tolkinen on joining the Mariners coaching staff.
Prior to going pro, he spent two seasons in the NAHL with the Owatonna Express and Fairbanks Ice Dogs, putting up 12 goals and 30 assists for 42 points in 93 games. Tolkinen would then make the jump to the NCAA level, playing four years at Quinnipiac, where he put nine goals and 38 assists for 47 points in 135 games with the Bobcats.
