Penguins keep Ruck twins together at NHL draft

The Pittsburgh Penguins ensured a unique bond would continue in the NHL by drafting twin brothers Markus and Liam Ruck. Liam Ruck was selected 22nd overall in the first round of the NHL draft on Friday night. His twin brother, Markus, who is eight minutes older, anxiously awaited his turn.

“

I was pretty stressed. (Liam) told me everything’s gonna be OK and will work itself out.

Markus expressed significant stress while waiting for his name to be called, especially after Liam was drafted. He worried about potentially being separated from his twin, with whom he has shared nearly every moment since birth. The brothers have never spent more than four days apart.

“

I was just praying and hoping. To have that happen, there’s not many words to describe it. It’s so special.

Their wish to stay together was fulfilled when the Penguins selected Markus Ruck seven picks into the second round. This reunion fulfills a lifelong dream for the Osoyoos, British Columbia, natives. Both forwards had standout seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers, finishing first and second in scoring across the Canadian Hockey League.

“

We knew it was gonna be very tough for a team to do this. We just can’t thank Pittsburgh enough … we knew it was a pretty low chance to be honest. We couldn’t be more excited.

Markus, a playmaker, recorded 108 points (21 goals, 87 assists), while Liam, a shooter, tallied 104 points (45 goals, 59 assists). They acknowledged the low probability of a team drafting both twins but expressed immense gratitude to the Penguins organization. The Ruck twins are expected to play one more Western Hockey League season before joining the University of North Dakota in 2027-28.

“

It’s a special bond we’ve got. I’m just going to be just as happy to see him get drafted, because we’ve been through everything together. It was a special hug.