Friday, March 29, 2013

Force Extend Coach John Marks for Two Seasons

Press Release

 The Fargo Force announced they have extended the contract of head coach John Marks for an additional two seasons.

Marks is in his second USHL season after the leading the Force to a 31-23-6 record in 2011-12 and the team’s fourth consecutive Clark Cup Playoffs appearance.  The Force are currently second place in the Western Conference this season under Marks with a 35-16-7 record.  They are two victories shy of equaling the team record of 37 set in 2009-10.

“I couldn’t be more grateful and thankful to Ace Brandt and the Fargo Force organization to give me the opportunity to continue to do what I love to do,” said Marks.  “Right now, I couldn’t be in a better place as a hockey coach or in my life.  I am very thankful to be surrounded by a tremendous group of people with the coaching staff, the front office and the players.  They say anytime you have success, it’s because you’re surrounded by good people.  I hope we can continue the great tradition that was started from year one with Dean Blais and carry on what we all want to do and that’s to try and win a Clark Cup.”

John Marks began his coaching career as an assistant at the University of North Dakota in 1982 where he helped lead the Sioux to the 1987 NCAA Championship.  He has also had stints as a head coach in the ECHL, the Southern Professional Hockey League, and the International Hockey League.  He was the first coach to lead two different teams to a championship in the ECHL – the Charlotte Checkers in 1995-96 and Greenville Growl in 2001-02.  Marks also captured a championship in the SPHL and was named that league’s coach of the year in 2006-07.

Before coming to Fargo, he was most recently the head coach for the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League during the 2010-11 season where he led the team to a 38-17-7 record.

“We are pleased to have extended John’s contract for an additional two years,” said general manager Jon Kram.  “The team has been successful over the last two seasons with him on the bench, and we look forward to that continued success under John’s leadership.”

Marks had a lengthy playing career as a defenseman.  He played collegiately at the University of North Dakota and was twice named All-American.  He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round (9th overall) of the 1968 NHL Draft and went on to play 10 seasons with the club.  Over 657 NHL games, he produced 275 points (112g, 163a).

 

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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