First-time teammates
DesRoches brothers playing together for first time in their careers
It’s an opportunity defencemen Jack and Charlie DesRoches thought would never present itself.
The two sons of John DesRoches and well-known figureskating and power-skating instructor Julie McNeill of Days Corner spent the second half of the 2016-17 season as teammates for the first time in their careers with the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild.
“He’ll tell me some stuff, and I’ll tell him some stuff and we’ll help each other out,” said Charlie, 14. “We didn’t play together much (as a defensive pairing), but it’s still fun.”
The Wild begins play at the Atlantic major midget hockey championship in Miramichi, N.B., on Thursday afternoon. “I’m hoping we can give it a big push, give it all we got and hopefully we can get to the TELUS Cup (national championship),” said Jack. Charlie cracked the Wild’s lineup as an underage player in September, and Jack spent the first half of the campaign with the Miramichi Timberwolves of the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League). Jack returned to the Wild at Christmas time.
“I’ve enjoyed a lot of playing time,” said Jack, 17. “I love this team, I love the organization. It’s great to come back and get to play with my brother, too.”
Wild assistant coach Duane Richards says the DesRoches brothers play different styles.
“This is Jack’s third year with us,” said Richards. “Jack has been a constant, steady guy back there.
“He’s a very reliable defenceman defensively, really takes care of his own end and whatever offence we get out of him is a bonus. It’s a little bit of the opposite with Charlie. “Charlie is an underage kid who is very offensively-minded. He reads the ice extremely well on the power play, makes great breakout passes and has a great
stick on the defensive side.” Charlie was fourth in team scoring with 26 points in 33 regular-season games. Charlie’s resumé included 10 goals, including a team-leading seven power-play markers. Jack recorded four assists in 15 regular-season games.
“For the most part Jack respects every bit that Charlie
can do, and Charlie respects every bit that Jack can do,” said Richards.
Charlie admitted he has enjoyed “a good season” in his rookie campaign in the New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Midget Hockey League.
“I’ve played a lot of good minutes,” said Charlie. “I’ve gotten a lot better defensively, and my
offence has been good all year.” Both Jack and Charlie admit they have been challenging each other since becoming teammates.
“That’s what brothers do,” added Jack while Charlie smiled, “He’s always chirping me after games.”
Jack did admit there was an adjustment period, adding, “It was awkward at first playing with my little brother, but it got better and I got to spend more time with him.”