Marks has a long career in hockey including success as a player and behind the bench. His coaching career began as an assistant in 1982 with the University of North Dakota, helping the program win the NCAA championship in 1987.
Marks coaching resume includes college, Junior and professional. He's won two championships as a head coach in the ECHL with Charlotte Checkers (1996) and Greenville Growl (2002). He later led the Fayetteville FireAntz to a SPHL championship in 2007.
In addition to developing dozens of players who have moved on to play college hockey, Marks has guided multiple NHL draft picks during his time with the Fargo Force, University of North Dakota, and the ECHL. Players who have played under coach Marks include Brian Cooper (Anaheim Ducks, 2012), Colton Hargrove (Boston Bruins, 2012), Dominic Toninato (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2012), Jonny Brodzinski (Los Angeles Kings, 2013), and Teemu Kivihalme (Nashville Predators, 2013), to name a few.
Marks also had a lengthy playing career, including being a two-time All-American at the University of North Dakota. He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round (9th overall) of the 1968 NHL Draft. The defensemen went on to play 10 seasons with the club, totaling 275 points (112g, 163a) in 657 career games.
Marks has been honored wherever he has been. As a player John has been inducted into the University of North Dakota, and the Manitoba Halls. Marks is also a member of the ECHL Hall of Fame as a coach.
