Jared Marino (BAcc ’23) has spent the past few years chasing goals on the ice and in the classroom.

The captain of the Brock men’s hockey team took one step closer to his dream of becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) when he graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the Goodman School of Business on Tuesday, June 13 during Brock University’s 113th Convocation.

Coming to Brock allowed Marino, who grew up in Niagara Falls, to stay close to home while playing hockey and working toward becoming a CPA.

“It’s truly been the greatest time of my life,” he said. “Academically, it has provided me a pathway to a career as a CPA and allowed me the opportunity to meet colleagues and people within the industry that I would have never had if it wasn’t for Brock.”

On the ice, Marino was a point-per-game forward this season with 11 goals and 26 points in 26 regular season games. He led the Badgers in power-play goals and was second behind teammate Jacob Roach with three game-winning goals.

Marino helped the Badgers reach the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and led them to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Queen’s Cup championship game, including an appearance at the U SPORTS national championships.

“In Jared’s time at a Brock, he has been an effective leader through challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and through significant change in the hockey program with new coaches and an exciting brand-new facility,” said head coach TJ Manastersky. “Throughout it all, he has provided stability while excelling in the classroom and the intensive Master of Accountancy program. He is a prime example of what’s possible for a student-athlete at Brock.”

Marino is now pursuing a Master of Accountancy part time so he can continue to play hockey at Brock or enter the professional ranks like his older brother, Kyle Marino, who plays for the Vegas Golden Knights’ farm team, the Henderson Silver Knights.

During high school, Marino helped out with the family business and often gravitated towards math classes. His interest in accounting was sparked when he discovered the many career opportunities in the field.

“The more I researched jobs stemming from accounting, the more I learned of the pathways beyond just being an ‘accountant,’” he said. “My family is very business driven so I saw the relevance and importance in someone understanding this side of business.”

When it came to choosing a university, the combination of Goodman’s Accounting program and the Badgers’ hockey team made Marino’s decision easy.

“I heard nothing but great things about the school. Both of my parents went there, and their Accounting program was very attractive,” Marino said of his mother Lori Marino (BA ‘89) and father Mel Marino (BA ‘89).

“Brock has been an amazing experience and I’m truly grateful for every moment and lifelong friends I have made along the way,” he said. “Today, I’m a better player, person and student because of Brock.