Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/417390
DECEMBER.2014 // MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM 09 09 They STarTed aS TeammaTeS … Like most brothers, Jonny and Michael learned by playing together. Knee hockey, rollerblading around the block and stick-handling in the driveway. They became "official" teammates in the Blaine Youth Hockey Association and maintained that status all the way up through Bantams. "For a while I think Michael thought he was Jonny's age," joked Mike, who coached their teams growing up. "It taught them both a lot. They grew as players and had fun doing so." It made the transition to high school even easier. The two joined forces for two years together at Blaine, once as a junior-freshman tandem and then as a senior-sophomore threat. The duo dominated the power play together and helped push the Bengals to consecutive state tournament appearances. "I think we had 30 or 40 points on the power play one year," recalled Jonny. "It worked out really well for us." Michael agrees it was a special thing to play high school hockey with a linemate you've known since birth. "We both just knew where we were going and what we were doing," he added. … BeFore chooSing a SWeaTer … The eldest Mike played one season for the Gophers in the 80s before finishing his collegiate career at St. Cloud as a two-time All-American under Herb Brooks. Growing up, Jonny's room was decked out in maroon and gold, pledging his Minnesota Gopher allegiance while Michael was indifferent to "choosing sides." So how did they ultimately choose which sweater to wear in college? "They both got to make their decisions," said Mike. "And they're happy about them, so that's all that matters." Jonny continues to make a pull for SCSU to his younger brothers. Texts and tweets including the hashtag "#futurehusky" are often spouted. It was a tactic that didn't work as well on Michael. "Playing together was really special," said Jonny. "When he went to the Gophers I was kind of bummed, but he made his decision. In the end, I'm still proud that he was able to take hockey to that next level of Division I no matter where it was." Michael notes that Jonny's persuasion is already working on Easton. "I know he wants to go to St. Cloud because Jonny's there," Michael said. "He really looks up to Jonny, like we all do, but because they're both forwards I think there's that extra pull over me." … and Becoming rivalS … Siblings naturally develop rivalries. Jonny and Michael took that term to another level. The two faced off for the first time last season in the North Star College Cup — the new annual tournament featuring all five of the state's Division I teams — and then in the NCAA West Regional final. Tensions were high. "Playing against him, there are so many mixed emotions," said Michael. "I really want him to succeed but I have to push myself to do the same. At the end of the day, I look out for my team and he looks out for his, and it won't change our relationship because of that." He wasn't the only person struggling with it. "It's horrible," said Kathy. "I couldn't cheer for anybody. I didn't know what a good outcome would be … I just prayed nothing happened when they're both on the ice. One of their successes will mean that the other one is not successful." "It sucks, especially losing to rivals like the Gophers. But for the game (After the game) I told him good luck and I know you'll do great. I told him to win it now because you beat me. 'Now you have to win.'" Jonny, a forward at SCSU, and his brother Michael, a defenseman at Minnesota, are navigating the rivalry. — Jonny Brodzinski IT WAS A SPECIAL MOMENT AND ONE I'LL NEVER FORGET.