Carlson turns down Major Junior job to remain with RoughRiders

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders head coach/general manager Mark Carlson recently turned down an offer to be the head coach of the Soo Greyhounds of the Major Junior Ontario Hockey League, sources said.

The Greyhounds went 54-12 this past season, with their head coach, Sheldon Keefe, leaving to take the head coaching job for the professional American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies. The team is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Carlson interviewed for the job last week, sources said. He declined comment.

The only coach and general manager the RoughRiders have had, Carlson won his 500th-career United States Hockey League game this past season. He has led the Riders to one Clark Cup championship and two Anderson Cup titles for most regular-season standings points.

Carlson and his wife, Tammy, are part of the six-person ownership group of the RoughRiders. He also owns the title of the club's president.

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