The Importance in the Development of Character: Mark Myles
By: Maryn McMann
The influence of good coaching, morale and teammates in the world of hockey can affect a person’s life, Mark Myles can certainly attest to that. Myles was an exceptional player that brought a lot to the club, one such attribute was his hockey IQ. He also learned a lot from his time in Peterborough and many of the things he learned he still carries with him to this day.
Myles dressed for the maroon and white from 1988 to 1991, playing in 173 games tallying 53 goals and 73 assists. Making it to the playoffs all three seasons, Myles and the Petes won the OHL Championship in 1988 and made it to the Memorial Cup, which was held in Saskatoon.
Being drafted at 16 and moving away from your family to a new city is never easy. Myles was determined to develop relationships with his teammates. Luckily for him, everyone was warm, inviting, and welcoming; which made the transition seamless. Myles was billeting with fellow first year, Troy Stevens. “We were able to talk and connect on all our feelings,” Myles said. “Luckily, we had a lot of the same feelings.” During his first year, Myles was moved up to the first line when he became close to the current President of the Board of Directors, Dave Lorentz. “He is a great friend, we connected about our love for hockey but have kept in touch since we played together,” Myles commented. “We even attended each other’s weddings.”
Myles had the opportunity that all OHL players dream of, winning an OHL Championship, which he did in his first year. Fighting tooth and nail throughout each series, when it came time to fly to Saskatoon to play on the biggest stage that junior hockey has to offer, Myles and his teammates were exhausted. With little time to prepare, Myles knew they had to stick to their systems. “We had a structure that opposing teams didn’t,” said Myles. “We knew that sticking to that would be our key to success.”
Despite their hard-fought battles, the Petes lost in the semi-final of that 1989 Memorial Cup. “The tournament was one of the best experiences of my life,” explained Myles. “I was honoured to be able to start in our first game. I still remember the chills, standing on the blue line listening to the national anthem. It was incredible and surreal.”
Ahead of his final season in Peterborough, Myles was announced as the 27th captain of the Peterborough Petes. Considering his dedication and leadership throughout his years, the decision made itself. He worked hard every day to be the best player he could be but also the best teammate he could be. “I have always been the guy that thrives off of others’ happiness and success,” Myles explained. “I would come to the rink every day and put my best effort into everything. I think this translated into others around me.”
Myles was able to continue playing hockey after he left Peterborough. He spent four years playing at Dalhousie University while studying Business with a concentration in Accounting. At Dalhousie, he played 88 games tallying 34 goals and 28 assists. He made the playoffs in two of the four years he played.
Although he is not playing hockey professionally, the sport is still integral to Myles’ life. He is now a hockey coach, doing his best to instill the qualities that he had as a young player into the future of hockey. “Peterborough and the Petes played a crucial role in shaping who I am today,” Myles said. “I don’t think I would have the confidence in myself or the things I do without the lessons I learned as a Pete.”
