Bert was a rugged, stay-at-home defenceman who could also provide crisp outlet passes to his forwards. He played junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings, a Detroit Red Wings farm team, in 1962-63 and 1963-64. They won the Memorial Cup in 1962-63. Marshall turned pro with the Memphis Wings of the Central Hockey League in 1964-65, The next season, he made the Detroit Red Wings and his fine play made him a contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The Red Wings made the finals that season before Montreal defeated them four games to two.