TROTWOOD — John Marks won’t have the opportunity to finish the job he started. The head coach of the Dayton Gems was fired Tuesday, April 20, just days after the International Hockey League entry ended its inaugural season.

Dayton had a wild first year that included an ownership change after six weeks of play. Marks, 62, stayed in charge after the switch but could not help the Gems out of a second-half tailspin, as they ultimately finished last in the league with a 25-46-4-1 record.

“They (owners GDHP LLC) took over under rough circumstances,” Marks said while caught in a traffic jam in Wisconsin on his way home to Moorhead, Minn. “They want a fresh start. I can certainly respect that.

“In this business, there are big changes from one year to the next.”

Co-owner Rob Garfield said the group wanted to move in a “different direction.”

“We appreciate what John has done,” Garfield said. “It’s been a difficult year for this hockey community but in moving forward for next season, we feel it’s best for everyone involved that we make some changes.”

Marks was a massive presence for the Gems, both literally and figuratively. The towering former first-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks began his coaching career in 1982 after a 10-year stint in the National Hockey League.

He made his coaching name in the East Coast Hockey League, where he led a variety of teams over 15 seasons, winning championships in 1996, 2002 and 2007.

The Gems, however, regressed throughout a disappointing first season marred by losses and poor attendance at Hara Arena.

Marks, whose contract will be honored until it expires at the end of June, wasn’t bitter.

“Quite honestly, I’m very thankful the new owners stepped in because we wouldn’t have had a team,” he said, adding that he wished them the best and sincerely hopes Dayton prospers as a hockey market.

Marks said he will look for a new job but in the short term will concentrate on getting reacquainted with his family.

“I’m old enough to qualify for social security,” he said with one parting joke. “Maybe it’s a good thing.”

Marks wasn’t the only casualty. The Gems released various members of the office and game night staffs.