Utah Hockey Club defenseman John Marino on his trade to New Jersey

John Marino expects hockey fans to have a lot of questions about Utah’s new NHL team.

“We don’t really know what to expect. As far as the location,” the Massachusetts-born defender said, “I’m sure some people don’t know where it is.”

But the five-year veteran is eager to put the Utah Hockey Club on the NHL map.

Marino, who made the playoffs in four of his five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils, will be tasked with bringing experience and establishing a winning culture in Salt Lake City after being traded to Utah late last month.

“I think it starts with the older guys instilling that in the younger guys and teaching them the ropes,” Marino said this week.

The 27-year-old had 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) last season in New Jersey. Along with Mikhail Sergachev, acquired by Utah in a trade with Tampa Bay, Marino hopes to be part of an improved defensive unit in Utah.

“I think they’re sending a clear message by doing what they did this offseason: They want to be a competitive hockey team,” Marino said. “They’ve got such a dangerous group of forwards up front who play fast, transitional hockey. I think it’s going to be exciting. I think it’s only going to get better from here and who knows where it’s going to go.”

Marino closely followed the team’s move from Arizona to Utah earlier this year.

“Watching the video of all the other guys coming up on stage (during the team introductions), the fans being there and the atmosphere, it seemed pretty cool,” he said. “It’s going to be special to be a part of it.”

The defender said he’s already heard good things about the franchise – and Salt Lake City.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about it, nothing about the ownership and what it’s going to be like, the fans, the atmosphere. Talking to some of the guys who’ve played there since Arizona, I’ve heard nothing but good things 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 in the mountains, the scenery. There’s a ton of things to do, outdoor activities and all that,” he said. “But experiencing it firsthand is going to be a lot different than watching it through my screen.”