Coaching Staff

John Marks – Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations | johnm@fargoforce.com

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 East Coast Hockey League, the Southern Professional Hockey League and the International Hockey League. Continue reading…

Byron Pool – Associate Head Coach | byronjpool@gmail.com
701.226.0451

Prior to joining Fargo, Byron was Head Coach of the Bismarck Bobcats for the last 2 seasons after leading the Bobcats to the ’08-’09 Central Division Title in his first campaign behind the bench. He won the ’09-’10 National Junior A Tier 2 Championship in his 2nd and final year with the Bobcats. Continue reading…

Terry Shercliffe – Assistant Coach

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Terry Shercliffe played for the University of Minnesota Duluth where he graduated in 1965. While at Duluth, he served as captain and was honored as Male Athlete of the Year. Continue reading…

Jesse Davis - Assistant Coach/Director of Player Personnel | jdavis@fargoforce.com
248.730.7700

Jesse Davis, originally from Detroit MI area, has more than 10 years as a coach or GM. Prior to the Force, Davis worked with some NAHL teams; Continue reading…

Steve Briere – Goaltending Coach

Steve Briere, 34, serves as Goalie Coach of the Fargo Force of the USHL. Steve is no stranger to the USHL having spent the past two seasons with the Omaha Lancers as the goalie coach.

Briere attended the University of Alabama Huntsville on a full scholarship from 97-00 and graduated in 2000 with a B.S.B.A degree in Marketing. Continue reading…

Paul Wixo – Equipment/Player Relations Manager

Paul Wixo graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Community Sports. When Paul is away from the arena, he likes to go hunting and fishing and spend time with his family at the lake. Paul resides in Wahpeton with his wife Lisa and his two children, Brandon and Brooke.

Phil Faught – Sanford Health/Athletic Trainer, FAKTR

Phil Faught, ATC, FAKTR has served as the Athletic Trainer and Strength Coach for the Fargo Force since the inaugural season. Phil received his B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of North Dakota.

Phil is also te Director of Sanford Power Hockey Academy located at the Sanford Power Center next door to Scheels Arena.

Yusuke Nejo – ATC, CSCS

Originally from Japan, Yusuke moved to the U.S. after graduating Japanese high school in 2005. He graduated from MSUM in 2011 and worked one year at Park Avenue Therapies, Inc. in Cloquet, MN.

Yusuke is currently attending NDSU for his Master of Science – Athletic Training major. He is a Graston Technique provider. Yusuke also as a Certification of Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

In his free time he enjoys working out at the Sanford Power Center and watching movies with his girlfriend.