Identical twins Liam and Markus Ruck were both selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the NHL Draft. Liam went 22nd overall in the first round, and Markus followed at 39th in the second round.
The brothers, who play for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, experienced a tense wait after Liam's selection. Markus described hoping the Penguins would choose him next, and the team did so with the seventh pick of the second round.
The twins embraced each other first upon hearing the news. Markus noted that their family had supported them greatly, but the brothers had shared every step of their journey together.
Both players posted strong numbers last season. Markus led the team with 108 points, while Liam recorded 104 points and 45 goals. Their play has drawn comparisons to the Sedin twins, who were also drafted by the same club in 1999.
After the draft, Sidney Crosby called the brothers personally to congratulate them. Markus said the moment felt unreal given Crosby's stature in the sport.
The Rucks, who grew up outside Vancouver, plan to play one more season in the WHL before joining the University of North Dakota in 2027.