KYLE MARINO HONORED BY TIM BRESLIN UNSUNG HERO AWARD - Chicago Wolves (2024)

April 10, 2024

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‘I pride myself on BEING A good teammate’

When asked what makes Kyle Marino the Wolves’ unsung hero, team captain Chris Terry went through a myriad of reasons in his head before finally exclaiming, “whoo … there’s a long list, to be honest.”

That long list, headlined by Marino’s willingness to do whatever it takes to benefit his teammates and the organization both on and off the ice, is the reason Marino has been awarded the 2024 Tim Breslin Unsung Hero Award.

The award celebrates the Wolves player who best exemplifies the late Breslin’s on-ice spirit, team-first attitude and level of community involvement.

The 28-year-old Marino, in his second stint with the Wolves, shares many traits with Breslin, who passed away on Feb. 9, 2005, due to complications from appendiceal cancer. The Addison, Ill., native and Driscoll Catholic High School graduate contributed 37 goals and 82 assists in five seasons with the Wolves and played a major role on the franchise’s first championship team in 1998.

“It’s a huge honor,” Marino said. “It’s a huge award around here and it means a lot to people in Chicago. I pride myself on being a good teammate, first and foremost.”

While Marino embraces his role of being called upon to protect his teammates as the Wolves’ so-called “enforcer,” that is just one aspect of the vital role he plays in the organization.

“On the ice, it’s having a good attitude and doing what you can to help the guys who play big roles on this team,” Marino said. “It’s making them feel safe and comfortable out there and allowing them to play their game. Part of my job is being able to be that guy for those who can’t do it and I enjoy it. I definitely take pride in it.

“Honestly, it’s just trying to be yourself,” Marino added. “You don’t have to try to act like something you’re not.”

As a regular on the checking fourth line, Marino doesn’t hesitate to battle for pucks in the corner, establish himself in the crease or lead the rush into the opposing zone. Off the ice, Marino is heavily involved in the Wolves’ myriad of charitable initiatives and is considered by many to be the heart and soul of the Wolves.

Typically, Marino was quick to praise teammates for helping him achieve the honor.

“Credit to my two linemates this year, (Ryan) Wagner and (Isaac) Ratcliffe,” Marino said. “I have complete trust in those two. They have my back when I make a mistake and I have their backs when they make a mistake.”

Wolves fans determined the 2024 Breslin Award winner as they voted at ChicagoWolves.com for the three candidates nominated by the organization’s hockey management staff: Marino and defensem*n Tory Dello and Cavan Fitzgerald.

Previous winners of the distinguished Tim Breslin Unsung Hero Award include Fitzgerald last season, as well as Max Lajoie (2022), Jake Bischoff (2020), Zac Leslie (2019), T.J. Tynan (2018), Bryce Gervais (2017), Andre Benoit (2016), Brent Regner (2014, 2015), Bill Sweatt (2013), Mark Matheson (2012), Jaime Sifers (2011), Matt Anderson (2010), Steve Martins (2009), Brian Sipotz (2008), Brian Fahey (2007), Kevin Doell (2006) and Tim Wedderburn (2005).

Terry believes Marino is a fitting choice to join that select group.

“I think it’s the most deserving award for him,” Terry said. “I don’t think he gets the recognition he deserves for how he plays the game but also for what he does for his teammates. You can’t really describe in words, but his presence not only around the locker room but on the ice knowing you have backup or support from a guy who is willing to literally do anything for any one of us is truly special. I think it’s a tremendous award of which he’s extremely deserving.”

In addition to honoring Marino, the Wolves announced the winner of the Tim Breslin Memorial Scholarship, given to an area high school student to help defray college tuition.

This year’s winner is Zach Marton, a senior at Palatine High School who is a member of the National Honors Society, National Business Honors Society and National World Language Honors Society.

Zach is heavily involved in his community, including establishing a foundation to honor his late brother, Andrew, who died in a motorcycle accident April 21, 2020 and volunteering with Gift of Hope, an organ and tissue donor network.

IMPACT PLAY OF THE WEEK

During Sunday’s game against the Moose in Manitoba, Hudson Elynuik was awarded a penalty shot and the forward converted to help the Wolves secure a point in the Central Division standings.

REPUBLIC BANK SAVE OF THE WEEK

Wolves goaltender Antti Raanta came up with this huge save on Moose forward Kristian Reichel to keep Manitoba off the board in the opening period of Sunday’s contest.

C.D.E. COLLISION CENTERS’ COLLISION OF THE WEEK

Wolves captain Chris Terry and Manitoba’s Tyrel Bauer came together for a massive collision behind the Moose’s net during Sunday’s game.

Weekly rewind (0-0-2-1)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Griffins 5, Wolves 4 (OT): The Wolves got a goal and an assist each from Chris Terry and Cavan Fitzgerald and scores from Josh Melnick and Cory Conacher but couldn’t hold off a Griffins rally as Grand Rapids extended its home points streak to 18 games.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Moose 5, Wolves 4 (SO): Chris Terry and Cavan Fitzgerald each had a goal and an assist and Cole Schneider and Hudson Elynuik also scored as the Wolves roared back from a late two-goal deficit to secure a point with the shootout loss.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Moose 3, Wolves 2 (OT): Hudson Elynuik scored both Wolves goals—including converting a penalty shot—as Chicago rallied with two scores in the third period to earn a point in the race for the fifth and final Central Division postseason berth.

First Star of the Week

Where we stand

22-32-6-6, sixth in the Central Division.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE