John Marino expects hockey fans to have many questions about Utah’s new NHL team.
“You don’t really know what to expect. As far as the location goes,” said the Massachusetts-born defense attorney, “I’m sure some people don’t know where it is.”
But the five-year veteran is excited to help put the Utah Hockey Club on the NHL map.
Marino, who reached the playoffs in four of his five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils, is expected to bring experience to Salt Lake City and establish a winning culture after being transferred to Utah late last month.
“I think it starts with the older guys instilling that in the younger guys and showing them how it works,” Marino said this week.
The 27-year-old scored 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in New Jersey last season. Along with Mikhail Sergachev, whom Utah acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay, Marino hopes to become part of an improved defensive unit in Utah.
“I think they’re definitely sending the message with what they’ve done in the offseason that they want to be a competitive hockey team,” Marino said. “They have such a dangerous forward group up front that plays fast, shifty hockey. I think it’s going to be exciting. I think it can only get better from here and who knows where it’s going.”
Marino closely followed the team’s move from Arizona to Utah earlier this year.
“When I saw the video of all the other guys coming on stage (during the team’s unveiling event), the fans being there and the atmosphere, I thought it was pretty cool,” he said. “It’s going to be special to be there.”
The defender said he had already heard good things about the franchise – and Salt Lake City.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about it, nothing good about the owner and what it’s going to be, the fans, the atmosphere. I’ve talked to some of the guys from Arizona who have been there and they have nothing but good things to say about it.”
And as for his new home? Marino says he’s ready for his next chapter.
“I’ve heard it’s just beautiful there. Being up in the mountains, the scenery. There’s tons to do, outdoor activities and everything like that,” he said. “But experiencing it firsthand will be a lot different than seeing it through my screen.”
