Monday, April 23, 2018

Returning To Brampton Beast Was A ‘No-Brainer’ For Former Viper Marino:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino.

Marino is in his third season with the East Coast Hockey League Brampton Beast. In 72 games this year with Brampton Marino picked up (20-goals-42-assists-62-points). 

After four years with Bemidji State University Marino has spent the past nine seasons playing in five different leagues (IHL, CHL, ECHL, AHL & EBEL) with six different teams (Quad City, Fort Wayne, Norfolk, Szekesfehervar, Utica & Brampton).

Marino played two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.

Brandon Marino's Player Profile:

This was in the Brampton Guardian Newspaper:

Returning to Brampton Beast was a ‘no-brainer’ for Brandon Marino

Captain talks about return to ECHL squad

Sports Oct 24, 2017 by Iain Colpitts  Brampton Guardian

The decision was easy for Brandon Marino.

After helping the Brampton Beast reach the second round of the playoffs in their first ever ECHL playoff appearance, the captain was eager to come back to what he views as a promising organization.

“It was kind of a no-brainer for me,” said Marino, who’s leading the Beast with six points (four goals and two assists) early on this season.

“It’s a good place to be. Our fan base is increasing every year and it’s becoming a really fun place to play. It was never really a question last year if I was coming back or not.”

Contracts are year-by-year in the ECHL and players of Marino’s calibre are likely to earn better opportunities, whether it’s with the American Hockey League or overseas in Europe.

Marino said he had a few contacts from overseas ask what he was doing this season, but there weren’t any serious discussions when it came to signing elsewhere.

It was easier to stay, considering his wife is with him and they enjoy the area.

Last year, Marino was Brampton’s third leading scorer with 72 points (20 goals and 52 assists) in as many games.

He’s among a number of core players back with the Beast. Included in that group are Jordan Henry, Brandon MacLean, Chris Leveille and Willie Corrin.

“Last year, we made a huge step for the organization, got to the second round of the playoffs and wanted to have those guys back,” he said.

“When you enjoy being around the people you work with every day, it makes it easier to want to (come back).”

Beast coach Colin Chaulk said his goal each season is to have 10 players back from the previous year. Thirteen players are back, which is encouraging even though the Beast have gotten off to an 0-4-1 start to the season.

“The thing is when you have a good season like we did last year, it gives opportunities to individuals,” Chaulk said.

“A lot of guys had good opportunities in Europe and we’re thankful for that because it gives other guys the opportunity to come in and play.”

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