Mark “Loj” spent nearly two decades around Rochester hockey, becoming a familiar name at the rinks and a trusted friend to many people who shared the sport with him. His death has now brought together teammates, friends and others who knew him through the local hockey community.
His connection to the sport stretched back to the mid-2000s, when he worked at ESL Hockey Arena. Later, Lakeshore Hockey Arena became another important part of his life. Mark regularly played Thursday night hockey there with the Fat Guys, surrounded by friends and teammates he had known through the years.
But Mark’s role in Rochester hockey was not limited to playing. He helped create the Tourney of Beers and became known as the event’s “godfather.” The tournament grew into an important gathering for people connected to the local hockey scene and reflected Mark’s interest in keeping people connected through the sport.
That part of his personality is now standing out in the memories being shared about him. Friends describe him as a great guy, a longtime Lakeshore fixture and an old teammate. More than any hockey connection, though, they remember him as someone they were proud to call a friend.
Mark’s personal life was also changing in the months before his death. He had recently married Tammy in Turks and Caicos in January. A friend who had created the logo for their wedding later turned parts of that design into a memorial tribute for Mark.
The tribute brought together several personal pieces of Mark’s life. It featured photographs of Mark and Tammy, pictures of his dogs and the puck from the Penalty Box Pub logo. For people who knew him, those details offered a way to remember the person behind the hockey player.
His wife, family and close friends are now left with those memories. Kerbs, Bobby, Jeff and Corey were among the friends connected to Mark’s wider circle, showing just how many relationships he formed during his years around Rochester hockey.
For longtime players at Lakeshore, Mark was part of the routine. He was there for the games, the conversations and the time spent with friends before and after the puck dropped. Those simple moments became part of what people are now remembering most.
His story is also tied to the people he brought together. Through the Tourney of Beers, Thursday night hockey and his years around Rochester’s rinks, Mark became a familiar part of a community that extended beyond the ice.
Now, the people who knew him are left remembering a teammate, a friend and someone who gave a lot of his time to a sport that meant so much to him. The games will continue, but the people who played alongside Mark will notice that one familiar face is no longer there.
Mark “Loj” will be remembered by Tammy, his family, his friends, his teammates and the many people he met through hockey in the Rochester area. His years around the rink left behind friendships and memories that will continue long after the games are over.
Rest in peace, Loj.
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