Marino spoke with Brian Boyle and Mike Rupp about his twin brother, his first NHL fight, and college days at Harvard.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Last week, New Jersey Devils defenseman John Marino joined Brian Boyle and Mike Rupp for an interview on NHL Network.
The 26-year-old has had an offensively strong start to the season with nine assists, including one in his last four games. In the nearly 17-minute-long interview, fans learn a little more about the quiet defenseman, who is in his second year with New Jersey.
1. His Twin Works for the Los Angeles Kings as a Hockey Analyst
For those who don't know, Marino is a twin. His brother Paul has also made a career working in the NHL.
"He works for the Los Angeles Kings doing analytics for them," Marino said. "He's been doing it for a couple of years and loves it."
The Devils defenseman said that his brother also worked behind the scenes during their time at Harvard University, cutting video and doing film for the coaches.
2. Marino's Fight Versus Brady Tkachuk
Throughout his five-year career, Marino has been involved in one NHL fight. Interestingly, that fight was against one of the league's most formidable opponents, 6-foot-4, 225-pound Brady Tkachuk.
Boyle was Marino's teammate in Pittsburgh and was on the bench when this fight occurred.
"I remember that," Boyle said. "That was awesome. We were on the bench, and I was really excited for you. I was a little nervous at one point because it looked like he had a good grip, (Tkachuk) might be one of the strongest (players), and you went right in there."
"Sometimes you have to step up a little out of your weight class, and you did a great job with that," Boyle continued.
3. He Played Alongside Adam Fox at Harvard
It is easy sometimes to forget how small the hockey world is.
During Round 1 of the playoffs last season, Marino faced his former Harvard Crimson co-captain and New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox. Marino and Fox served as captains for Harvard during the 2019-20 season and shared the blueline for three seasons at the prestigious university.
During the interview, Marino was asked if he knew how good Fox would be back then.
"He was doing the same things in college, and people were just questioning if he could do it at the next level, but you know he's done it at every level of his career," Marino said. "I mean, he was so special in college, and to see him do the same thing at the NHL level, I think all of us knew in college, but it's still special to see."
During his final season at Harvard, Marino was also teammates with ex-Devils defenseman Reilly Walsh.