30 Sharks: Mark Bell
- Updated: February 17, 2021
As we continue our “30 Sharks” series for CaliSports News, we take a look at players from the later years who suited up for the San Jose Sharks. In this installment of “30 Sharks”, we take a look at Mark Bell, who I had the privilege of speaking with about his experiences in San Jose.
While he only played one season for the Sharks (2006-07), Bell expressed his disappointment in leaving in a young Chicago Blackhawks team while making the most of his brief time in the Bay Area.
This is Mark Bell.
The Windy City to the Bay
Drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998, Mark Bell would prepare himself for the NHL by further developing under Hall-of-Fame coach Brian Kilrea in Ottawa, helping the 67’s to a Memorial Cup title in 1999 — in Ottawa, no less.
When the native of St. Paul’s, ON, native did make his Blackhawks debut in 2001, he was ready.
While the Blackhawks had their share of struggles on the ice, Bell excelled, scoring a total of 72 goals and 151 points over five seasons in Chicago. This included career-highs with 25 goals and 48 points in 2005-06.
However, Bell would be traded to San Jose that summer. Despite being dealt to a more championship-ready team, though, Bell couldn’t help but express his disappointment in leaving Chicago.
“When I left Chicago, I felt like the team was on the upswing and I wanted to be a part of that, so the trade took awhile for me to get over,” the former 67 admitted. “When you get drafted, and you’re a loyal person in your personal life and at your core, you think that you will be Blackhawk for your entire career.”
While the move to San Jose may have come with a period of adjustment, Bell was quick to point out that he would soon come to enjoy being with his new club.
“As time passed, I became more and more excited about playing for San Jose, and playing with some world class players,” the former center added.
Playing for Ron Wilson
During our conversation, Bell was quick to point out that he was blessed with a couple of great coaches in the aforementioned Brian Kilrea but also Brian Sutter, who was Chicago’s bench boss during Bell’s tenure with the club. When Bell arrived in San Jose, he was playing under another respected coach in Ron Wilson. However, due to some factors, which included Bell’s comfort level — or lack thereof — with the Sharks, Wilson wasn’t exactly his favourite coach. The former NHLer also opined that the feeling was most likely mutual.
“Brian Sutter and Brian Kilrea were two hard nosed and honest coaches and humans, and I enjoyed playing for both of them,” Bell noted. “I had a tough season in San Jose with many struggles and some long scoring droughts, so I’m not sure I would have enjoyed any coach that season, as I’m sure Ron did not enjoy coaching me. As for his coaching style, I do not think it benefitted me.”
In 71 games for the Sharks in 2006-07, Bell scored 11 goals and added 10 assists.
Quality Over Quantity
His tenure in San Jose may have been a short one but Mark Bell nonetheless holds the Sharks dear to his heart for the good times he had with the team.
“It was a tough season all around for me, but when I look back my memories are mostly of spending time with my teammates that season,” the 40-year-old reflected. “We had a great bunch of guys that spent a lot of time together off the ice, making memories. I also made some lifelong friends in San Jose, and for that I am very grateful.”
While he could definitely contribute offensively, Mark Bell wasn’t shy about being a physical asset, as well.
At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Bell wasn’t exactly a pushover and throughout his playing career — whether in the NHL, AHL or in Europe — he instilled fear in his opponents whenever he stepped onto the ice. Actually, standing at a mere 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, this writer may have been included in said argument, but I digress.
Following his lone season in San Jose, Mark Bell was traded with goaltender Vesa Toskala to the Toronto Maple Leafs before taking his game to Switzerland and ultimately Germany before retiring in 2016.
These days, Mark Bell is enjoying his role as Director of Player Development for the Arizona Coyotes, a position he has held since 2019. Much like when he began his NHL playing career in Chicago, Bell is a pivotal part of a young, rebuilding team who hopes to compete for the Stanley Cup very soon.
It may have been brief but Mark Bell’s tenure with the San Jose Sharks nonetheless marked an important juncture in his career in hockey, both as a player and now as an executive.
As we celebrate 30 years of the San Jose Sharks, we recognize the successes of so many former Sharks, and Mark Bell is no exception to this.
Related Posts
About Ryan Cowley
