Hall of Fame
Mark Bolding was a four-year standout for the Norwich Men's Ice Hockey team and a three-year captain as a defenseman. At the conclusion of his NU playing days, Bolding was among the all-time career assist leaders with 71.
"I got a ton of ice time and power play time," recalls Bolding. "I was able to get out there right away instead of now, where freshman usually sit quite a bit during their first years."
Bolding arrived in Northfield in 1991 following a stint with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. While making the playoffs has become common for the cadets in recent years, Bolding's only experience in the post season came during his freshman year> NU met Salem State in the opening round of the 1992 ECAC East Tournament, defeating the Pilgrims, 7-5. Norwich then lost to UConn in the second round, which was held at Middlebury. He recorded an assist in each game.
Bolding and roommate Scott Taylor also began what could be deemed a Canadian connection at Norwich. Today, the roster includes several players from Canada that are a vital part of the team's success.
Bolding spent the 1995-96 season as an assistant coach to Billy Cahill. He helped recruit players such as Mark Bellarmare. Curt Healy, Mike Ludwar, and Bryce Herpberger, who all went on to have a huge impact on the Norwich program. Bolding returned to NU in 1998 to serve as the marketing director for Kreitzberg Arena as well as an assistant coach to current head coach, Mike McShane. In his first years as Kreitzberg marketing director, 650 season tickets were sold and the NCAA Division III Frozen Four was hosted by Norwich.
Bolding majored in civil engineering at Norwich and was a member of Chi Epsilon and Tau Beta Pi. He held engineering positions in Chicago, Boston, and Montpelier before returning to NU as Director of Engineering Admissions. Bolding is also the head coach of the Norwich Women's Hockey team.
Mark and his wife Kari reside in Northfield and are the parents of three children.
