What's in a name?
For the Sedins, the Staals, and the Sutters, hockey runs through the proverbial family tree. The legacy behind their last names has been passed down from father to son, and from older to younger sibling.
On the Team Canada junior squad this year, there are two players with recognizable counterparts – Brayden Schenn and Marcus Foligno.
Brayden’s older brother Luke is in his third season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Marcus’ brother Nick is a winger for the Ottawa Senators.
Perhaps the most notable family tie between the pair is the Foligno father Mike, who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, and who is now behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks.
“There’s a lot of hype when you hear a Foligno name,” said Nick. “[Hockey] is a sport we all love, and I’m just excited to be a part of that.”
Both Brayden and Marcus are the youngest brothers in their family, and have seen first hand at an early age the success of their siblings.
Luke won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships, and after losing to the US at last year’s tournament, Brayden is eager for redemption.
“I can’t let him one up me,” said Schenn. “It’s my turn for gold hopefully, and that’s what I’m pushing for.”
Nick on the other hand, didn’t make the cut for Team USA throughout his junior career. Since the Folignos have duel citizenship, Marcus had the option of playing for either Canada or USA this year – and said it was an easy choice to wear the maple leaf. He’s now hoping to earn the hardware his brother never did.
Despite the light-hearted rivalry, the younger siblings both model elements of their game around their older brothers, so well that even Schenn’s Team Canada teammate Tyson Barrie, confuses the two.
“Drew Doughty has also played with both of us and said the same,” added Schenn. “I’ve heard many times that we’re like the same person.”
Both the Schenn and Foligno families have been out to show their support at Team Canada’s three exhibition games over the past week.
“That was exciting to have him here,” said Foligno catching up with his father following Thursday’s tune-up against Team Finland. “I haven’t seen him since September.”
Like father, like son – Foligno was drafted to the Buffalo Sabres – the team his dad played on for 10 of his 15 years in the National League, and Mr. Foligno certainly has no lack of advice for his son.
“He doesn’t stop with that stuff,” said Foligno. “He’s always there and always texting me – I don’t think there’s a better texter than my dad.”
“But you’ve got to listen to him because he’s been there and done everything.”
Brayden and Marcus now have their sights set on gold, as they get ready to face Team Russia in their first match-up of the World Junior tournament on Boxing Day. The boys will look to add to the successes of their families, and help carve the way for another dynamic hockey last name.
