From brothers to linemates: Milson trio shines for Northmen

Brothers play together for first time, instantly form chemistry on team’s top line

Brendan Milson, left, and his brothers Bryce, centre, and Matt, right, embrace their time as linemates with the Miramichi Mike’s Bar and Grill Northmen with their grandfather, Billy Whalen, second from left, and father Michael Milson, second from right. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

MIRAMICHI • It may not have been obvious to the naked eye, but the trio of brothers who suited up for the Miramichi Mike’s Bar and Grill Northmen in their latest outing played competitive hockey together for the first time before a hometown crowd.

The Northmen signed the oldest brother, 34-year-old forward Matt Milson, on Monday, four days before he joined his two little brothers, Northmen veterans Bryce and Brendan Milson, for Miramichi’s date with the Elsipogtog Hawks in Beauséjour Senior Hockey League play on Friday at the Miramichi Civic Centre.

Matt is three years older than Bryce. Twelve years separate Matt from 22-year-old Brendan. The two oldest siblings were only teammates for a year while playing atom in the Miramichi minor hockey ranks.

However, they clicked immediately on Friday while playing with each other on the top line for the Northmen. The brothers combined for five points (two goals, three assists) in Miramichi’s 5-4 overtime loss, with all three finding the scoresheet on Matt’s marker at 3:39 in the third period that broke a two-goal tie.

“We only ever got to play pond hockey with Brendan where he’s so much younger than us,” said Matt. “Tonight was special and fun.

“It was nice to play together at this level. It felt like a playoff game for our entire team. We talked before the game about how we would support each other with the puck. So whenever I had the puck, I knew someone was coming my way.”