KEARNEY, Neb. – The Tri-City Storm have completed a trade with the Chicago Steel, acquiring defenseman John Marino in exchange for a third round pick in Phase II of the 2016 USHL Draft.

Marino, who played for the South Shore Kings in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) last season, was a 6th round selection of the Edmonton Oilers with pick No. 154 in the 2015 NHL Draft. The defenseman is also committed to play collegiately for Harvard University.

“I think John’s going to be an excellent addition to our defensive group,” said Storm Head Coach Bill Muckalt. “He’s got good mobility, good offensive instincts, and he’s going to make an impact. Being an NHL Draft pick of Edmonton, he’s a high-profile player. We’re excited to have him as part of our team and he’ll be a wonderful addition.”

With South Shore during the 2014-15 season, Marino played in 49 games and scored four goals and 24 assists. The North Easton, Mass. native measures six-feet, two inches and weighs 180 pounds.

“I knew the Tri-City Storm is a really good place to be,” Marino said. “[Coach Muckalt] called me and I got a really good feel for him. I know the success the team has had in the past and the players they’ve put through the program. It’s all come together well.”

The 18-year-old also had a chance to compete at the Oilers’ development camp after being drafted this summer and said it was a great experience.

“It was awesome,” Marino said. “You’ve got guys like Connor McDavid and a lot of the other really good prospects there, it was a great experience overall. The coaches are so professional and the kids there just treated me really well.”

Muckalt added that Marino’s two-way approach as a defenseman with a high intensity will be valuable for his squad this season.

“He’s got a great compete level and as a coach, you can’t teach compete,” Muckalt said. “It comes from within a player and John has it so that’s a great attribute and it’s going to be important for our hockey club this year.”

Although he’s been added to the roster later in the offseason, Marino said he’s excited for the new challenge.

“I’m getting ready to get down there and start the season,” Marino said. “I’m looking to have a great year and do what I can to bring home a championship.”

The Storm will open the 2015-16 season in Kearney at the Viaero Event Center on September 25 vs. the Omaha Lancers at 7:30 p.m.