Some brother tandems currently have the luxury of thriving in the same organization (currently Kostitsyn, Neidermayer and Sedin). Quick trivia question: highest scoring brother combo in NHL history?.......... Wayne and Brent Gretzky, even though Brent only had 1 point, imagine that conversation at xmas dinner.
Recently, a new brother combo has emerged in the minor ranks. Mike and Mark Santorelli(which stands for Santa Clause shaped pasta, in Italian) both began their pro hockey path in the British Columbia Hockey League. Only three years apart(Mark 20 and Mike 23) these two are a part of the Nashville Predators' youth entourage.
A quick thanks to the Milwaukee Admirals for producing the most embarrassing photo in brother hockey history.
Mike took the NCAA route on scholarship to Northern Michigan University, where was top 3 in scoring each year. Meanwhile, Mark went the WHL route with the Chilliwack Bruins where he saw great success having a 101 point season in 07-08.
Both started this season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. For Mike it was his second season with the team and Mark was a fresh face in Brewer land(which reminds me, the Admirals have a patch of the Brewers old logo on their jerseys, because their owner owns part of both teams). Mike has been off to a torrent start to the season with 24 points in 21 games, including three last night versus the Toronto Marlies.
Mike's speed was noticeable from the start of the game as he cut through the Marlies' defense on more than one occasion. He showed the speed and shot of a natural goal scorer, something the Predators organization has been lacking since the departure of Alex Radulov. Mike will no doubt see his first NHL action this season as the David Poile should give him a look.
Mark is a little slower than his older brother, but has better vision and is an excellent passer. So far this season, he has seen his share of adjusting. After putting up just one point in 18 games with the Admirals, Mark has since been shuffled down to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.
I am confident that these two brothers will one day find themselves playing together in the NHL. Hopefully, they will be more successful than the Fata brothers (who will dominate the DEL together in a year or two, sorry).
On a different note: please feel free to post comments and rip up stuff that I say on here in the comment section, start a debate, post a topic you want some input on or even just say Leafs/Habs suck, whichever you prefer!
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