Mark Odnokon remembered for influence on and off the ice

“When you start out a franchise, you don’t have much to go with,” Strandberg said. “In that first year, we had a lot of players with different philosophies. But we made decisions that lined up with what we wanted the organization to be about. We were about winning, and he did a really good job of putting it all together and building the foundation for what was to come.”

That foundation proved significant. Just two years after Odnokon’s departure to the Prince Albert Raiders, the Mustangs captured their first championship, a success many credit in part to the culture he helped establish.

While wins were important, Strandberg said Odnokon’s impact went well beyond the scoreboard.

“You decide what kind of program you want,” Strandberg said. “We wanted to be good in the community. If you want a team to be respected, you have to walk the walk as a coach. There were talented players who didn’t last long in our program because of that. It’s not easy when you’re judged on wins and losses, but Mark made decisions that were better for the community, even if they weren’t always the best for his coaching record or future.”

Even after moving on in his career, Odnokon remained connected to Melfort, offering guidance and support to those within the organization.

“One of the biggest things about Mark is that even once he got to Prince Albert, he didn’t stop helping the Mustangs,” Strandberg said. “Anyone in hockey could go to him, and they’d get honest advice. When you’re starting a program, it’s hard to know if you’ve got a great coach—but Mark was, and you could see that in the improvement here and the success that followed.”

Among those who experienced Odnokon’s leadership firsthand was his brother Patrick, who played under him in Melfort.

“Knowing the professional he was, he just wanted the best for his players and the organization,” Patrick said. “I only played for him for a short time, but he knew hockey, and he knew how to treat his players.”

Patrick said his brother’s mentorship extended well beyond their time together with the Mustangs.

“He helped me as a hockey player—not just as a brother,” he said. “Even after I graduated and was playing with the Huskies, we’d still talk about hockey—systems, how to play, all those things. He was supportive as a brother, but I know so many players he coached would say the exact same thing.”

Odnokon’s life extended far beyond hockey. He was a longtime teacher, a dedicated community member, and someone who consistently gave of himself to others.

“It’s not just about hockey,” Patrick said. “That’s what many people will remember, but at the end of the day, he was a kind person who treated everyone with respect. You can see that in the outpouring of support for our family—it’s been amazing.”

For Patrick, his brother’s legacy is best defined by the example he set.

“Leadership is a word that gets used a lot,” he said. “But it’s really about actions—giving your time, helping others, and supporting those who might not have the same opportunities. That’s the message we’d like people to remember.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert. Those unable to attend can watch via this livestream link.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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by Ben Tompkins

Mark Odnokon remembered for influence on and off the ice

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