CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - He’s been an institution in Eastern Iowa sports, and now Mark Carlson is in the hockey history books.

Carlson’s 779th win set the all time United States Hockey League record.

Carlson has won three Anderson Cups and a Clark Cup as Cedar Rapids’ only head coach.

He’s mentored generations of players

“I just love the opportunity to come here every day and work with our guys,” said Carlson. “They’re elite athletes and high-level people, committed and passionate, and they wanna get better.

He calls his coaching a ‘tough love approach,’ and it’s led to many wins. But he won’t remember those wins as much as those players.

“They have goals and dreams, and to be here with them every single day, it’s a huge responsibility, but it’s certainly something that I relish.”

See Full Page