Mark Morris (Photo provided)

LAKE PLACID — Mark Morris is the new head coach of the Northwood School’s boys hockey team, the school announced Tuesday.

Morris will take over a program that will be playing in the newly founded Prep Hockey Conference, which showcases six of North America’s top school-based hockey programs.

Morris attended Northwood in 1976 and returned to the school as the head coach of the boys hockey team in 2004, leading the school to its first 40-win season.

Prior to taking over the head coaching position, Morris was the head coach for the Saint Lawrence University men’s hockey team from 2016 to 2019. He was also the head coach of Clarkson University’s team from 1988 to 2002.

During his tenure at Clarkson, Morris’ team won 306 games, lost 156 and tied 42. He was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference coach of the year twice.

In 2006, Morris became the head coach of the Manchester Monarchs, a former team in the American Hockey League. He posted a record of 339-223-67 during his time with the Monarchs.

Morris coached the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL and was an assistant for the Florida Panthers in National Hockey League.

“However impressive is his breadth of experience and W/L record, it more significant at our age level that Mark is truly one of the game’s best teachers,” Head of Northwood School Mike Maher said in a statement. “Watching on any day one of his purposeful and upbeat practices, hockey aficionados will appreciate his ability to communicate the intricacies of individual skills and team strategies. At every level he has coached, the players stay on the same page and compete with intensity, character and sportsmanship.”

Chadd Cassidy held the position until July before he left the school to become the head coach and general manager for the Omaha Lancers a junior hockey team in the United States Hockey League.

“As a former student-athlete and coach at Northwood School, I am very fortunate to have first-hand experience with the school’s unwavering commitment to both personal growth and the creation of cohesive teams,” Morris said in a statement. “Northwood’s focus on integrity and a commitment to excellence are among the many reasons the school holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as a hockey coach and mentor to further grow its rich tradition.”