Jared Marino will have the captaincy on his Brock Badgers sweater when the puck drops on the 2021-22 Ontario University (OUA) men's hockey season as the Badgers visit the Rams on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.
A fourth-year Accounting student from Niagara Falls, Marino was named captain as one of Kevin Forrest's first moves as interim head coach.
"Jared has shown nothing but character and hard work from Day 1. He possesses a level of maturity beyond his years," Forrest said. "He's a student-athlete who wants to win and continue to develop his game to a pro-level while at the same time being fully committed to his studies. He leads by example every day."
Marino takes over the 'C' from former Badger Connor Walters who served as captain during the 2019-20 season.
"I take great pride in being a captain. Growing up in Niagara Falls and now being able to play at Brock, it means the world to me to represent this team, school, and community," Marino said. "I always aspire to wear a letter for my team, so when I found out, I was going to be captain, I was extremely excited and honoured."
Marino credits his leadership style to his brother Kyle. He witnessed firsthand what it took to be a captain of a national championship team where the brothers captured a title with the West Kelowna Warriors of the British Columbia Hockey League.
"My brother has had the most influence on me as a player and as a captain. I learned so much from that experience in West Kelowna," Marino said. "I know what it takes to win and how much you have to do as captain for your team if you want to have success."
The Badgers' leadership group includes Marino, a left winger, and third-year forward Adam Berg, second-year defenceman Connor Russell and third-year centre Justin Brack, who were named as alternate captains.
"This group was chosen because of the leadership qualities they've already shown. This experience is something they take with them beyond their hockey careers," Forrest said. "They all have the characteristics to be leaders in whatever they end up doing in life. In the future, they can draw on their experiences with their Brock teammates to overcome any challenges they face along their life journey."
