Q’s Cuties: Russell is a Twin??
So, I’m probably way behind in knowing that Kris Russell has a twin brother who plays in the NHL. How did I miss this? I adore the Staals (all 4!), and I’m usually pretty excited for brother-on-brother hits during games (except that depressing hit by Eric Staal on Marc!).
Kris Russell
How did I miss, then, that tiny adorable Kris Russell has a twin brother?? Not only a twin…. but an equally tiny adorable twin! Somehow, their twin vibe doesn’t give me the creeps like the Sedins (insert gagging noise here) do.
In today’s Morning Skate, Dan O’Neill interviewed Kris Russell about how he feels about going up against his brother tonight. Kris replied that it is a “really cool experience” to be able to play against his brother in the NHL. While the two did log some game time together in the Blue Jackets’ pre-season, they have not faced each other as opponents since their days in the juniors. In their last meet up, O’Neill reports that the two ended up having a center ice brawl. Oh how I wish that would happen tonight! Kris to O’Neill that while he doesn’t expect a rematch with his twin, he won’t hesitate to make a physical play if the situation calls for it. As for their parents? Kris Russell predicts they will be rooting for a shootout. Let’s hope the Blues don’t let the last-in-the-league Blue Jackets get that far.
Ryan Russell (Blue Jackets)
Ryan Russell, Kris’s twin, was called up to play with the Blue Jackets starting with their January 7th game. In a pre-game inteview, Ryan says he didn’t expect to be with the big league this long, and he is excited to play against his brother tonight. When asked if he thinks he and Kris have any twin connections like some people think the Sedins do and if that will make him able to know what Kris will do, Ryan laughed and said he doesn’t think they have ever had an experience like that. Ryan Russell, a left winger, has currently logged 17 games with the Blue Jackets. In those games, he’s scored two goals.
TJ Oshie has gotten in on the twin discussion. He tweeted that it will be “weird seeing an identical Russ on the other team…” Hopefully the team doesn’t get too confused.
Darren Pang joined the conversation on Twitter. He tweeted that Ryan Russell said “a little “soft dump in” Kris corner could get things started.”
Looks like I’m not the only one excited to see siblings face off tonight!
Will both Russells on the ice be a bit creepy for fans to watch, like the Sedins? Or will the twins facing off have the sibling rivalry that the Staals bring to the game? I’m betting on a Staal vibe, but only tonight’s game will tell!
