John Marino expects hockey fans will have a lot of questions about Utah's new NHL team.
“You never really know what's going to happen, location-wise,” the Massachusetts-born defenseman said. “I'm sure some people don't know where it's going to be.”
But the five-year veteran is looking forward to helping lead the Utah hockey club to NHL prominence.
Marino, who spent five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils, making the playoffs in four of those seasons, will bring experience to Salt Lake City and be tasked with establishing a winning culture since being traded to Utah late last month.
“I think it starts with the older guys instilling that in the younger guys and showing them how to do it,” Marino said this week.
The 27-year-old Marino had 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) with New Jersey last season and is hoping to be part of Utah's improved defense along with Mikhail Sergachev, who Utah acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay.
“I think what they've done in the offseason has definitely sent a message that they want to be a competitive hockey team,” Marino said. “They have a very dangerous forward group up front and they're playing fast, transition hockey. I think it's going to be exciting. I think it's only going to get better from here, but who knows where it's going to go.”
Marino closely followed the team's relocation from Arizona to Utah earlier this year.
“I saw the video of the other members coming on stage. [during the team’s introduction event]”It just seemed so cool, the fan presence, the atmosphere,” he said. “It's going to be a special experience to be a part of.”
The defenseman said he's already heard good things about the team and Salt Lake City.
“I've heard nothing but good things about the ownership, what's coming up, the fans, the atmosphere. I've spoken to some of the players that are already here from Arizona and they've only had good things to say.”
And as for his new home? Marino says he's ready for the next chapter.
“I've heard it's just beautiful up there. You're up in the mountains and the views are amazing. There's a lot to do, outdoor activities,” he says. “But experiencing it in person will be very different from seeing it through a screen.”
