Mark Hartigan was a prolific scorer for St. Cloud State University from 2000 to 2002. As a junior, he led the Huskies with 37 goals and 38 assists for 75 points, finishing as the second-leading scorer in the nation. His outstanding performance in the 2001-02 season earned him a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award and recognition as a First-Team All-American. He helped St. Cloud State win the WCHA regular-season championship and advance to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Following his collegiate career, Hartigan signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002. He played in the NHL for parts of six seasons with the Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks. Hartigan also had an extensive professional career in the AHL and overseas in the KHL and Swedish leagues. He was a two-time AHL All-Star and won the Calder Cup with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2013, scoring the series-clinching goal in the final game.