JOHN MARKS WILL COACH DAYTON GEMS

Press Release - received June 15th

If Dasher Boards could talk, there would probably be a million stories told about John Marks.

The Dayton Gems proudly announce an offer of employment was made and accepted this past week to John Marks. Marks will begin his position as Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel on July 1 for the franchise.

Former NHL player John Marks spent ten years with the Chicago Blackhawks setting a career record
of 112 goals, 163 assists, and 275 points in 657 career games. After retiring in 1988, Marks began his professional coaching career in the IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings, serving for four seasons.

Marks has an amazing twenty year coaching record, having made playoffs 15 times, and winning championships 3 of those 15. Only about five other coaches have a winning record that is close to Marks. Since 1993 Marks has coached in the ECHL, spending the majority of that time in Charlotte and Greenville. Marks is also a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.

“You guys have a coach. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to a great season.” Marks told franchise owners Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick this past week.

“Marks record speaks for itself. Add to that, he is a good guy, and that makes a winning combination for the Gems. Now he just needs to bring us a championship and we're all set.” said co-owner Ryan Yerrick, adding, “All kidding aside, we expect to have a tough product on the ice this season, and Rich (Bruner) and I believe Marks will help deliver what we want to see.”

Guy Trottier, Director of Hockey Operations for the Gems said “You can count on Marks to deliver.” Trottier began a scouting trip this past Tuesday and has been taking meetings with players and teams from New York to Canada. With Marks joining the group, Trottier and Marks will be recruiting players to prepare for their training camp, presently slated to be September 14-25 in Dayton, pending the final release of the IHL schedule coming soon.