Next up in the 2023-2024 season coaching line up is our new 14U UA head coach, Mark Elias. 

"First and foremost Mark is such a genuinely good person and is a great role model for the kids", says Loudoun Knights Hockey Director Craig Desjarlais. "Mark is a very organized and structured coach, and has more than earned this opportunity as evident by 7 years served as an assistant coach."

Mark was born and raised near Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he grew up watching Pittsburgh Penguins’ legends such as Mario Lemiux, Jaromír Jagr and the movie Slapshot. Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, Mark played football, inline, and ice hockey. 

After graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania Mark moved to Maryland to start his career in teaching. Mark began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Frederick Freeze where his son Chase began playing in 2016. After coming to the Knights’ organization during the 21/22 season, Mark began as a volunteer coach during practices. Last season Mark was an assistant coach on the Knights 12U AA team and worked with the goalies as part of Tactical Goalie. 

Currently a USA Hockey Level 4 coach, Mark has coached youth hockey for the past seven years. He is a Teacher Specialist for the Gifted and Talented program at Walkersville Middle School in Frederick County, MD. Mark spends his free time with his wife, Melanie, and their twins Chase and Claire.

Jon Wilkins will be joining the 14U UA Knights team as Mark's Associate Head Coach.