From backyard to big leagues: Darby brothers reunite in Portland

For many siblings, hockey is just a childhood game, a way to pass the time on cold winter days. But for Hudson and Griffin Darby, it has become so much more. The Darby brothers are living a reality that once seemed like a distant dream: playing together in the WHL. 

Hudson and Griffin Darby, two brothers from Swift Current, Saskatchewan, are writing their own unique story with the Portland Winterhawks. Hudson, 17, is entering his second season as a forward with the team after a solid first year, tallying 9 goals and 12 points over 51 games. Meanwhile, Griffin, 15, is a rookie defenseman making his WHL debut this season after a standout year with the Swift Current Broncos U18 program in the SMAAAHL, where he recorded 25 points in 39 games. 

“It’s super awesome,” said Hudson. “You dream of it, but you never expect it to happen, especially us being two years apart and moving across the country and playing for the same team. It’s pretty cool.” 

Despite their two-year age gap, the Darby brothers now find themselves on the same WHL team, something neither expected but both are embracing. For Griffin, the moment the dream turned into reality was clear. 

“I just kind of think back to draft day when I got picked by Portland,” said Griffin “We just knew it started there, that we would have a great journey together.” 

The Darby brothers’ connection runs deep, but they don’t actually spend too much time on the ice together—at least not in official games. Hudson, a forward, and Griffin, a defenseman, often find themselves on opposite ends of the rink. 

“We never really play together too much,” Hudson admits. “But at the end of the day, knowing that we still have family around and someone to connect with, it’s pretty cool.” 

While their roles on the team may differ, their shared bond off the ice remains a constant. Griffin, who made his WHL debut last weekend and earned his first assist in a contest against the Kelowna Rockets, acknowledges how much easier the transition to junior hockey has been with Hudson by his side. 

“It makes moving away from home a lot easier to have my brother here,” said Griffin. “I feel like it’s easier for me to come in than it probably was for him. I get to follow in his footsteps a bit.” 

Hudson, now in his second year with the Winterhawks, has taken on the role of a mentor for his younger brother. He’s committed to helping Griffin succeed in this new chapter of his career. 

“I pushed him every day this summer, did the best I could to make sure he was ready,” said Hudson. “Just showing him the ropes every day, letting him know things to work on and how to present yourself at the junior level.” 

Griffin’s preparation clearly paid off, as he’s adjusted quickly to the pace of the WHL. He has not only leaned on his brother but also credited the Winterhawks coaching staff and teammates for helping him get up to speed. 

“The guys are awesome. The coaches have been helping me a lot to tweak some things here and there, but after the first two games, I felt good,” said Griffin. 

For both brothers, playing together brings back memories of their childhood spent playing hockey. From heated basement matchups to long hours spent on outdoor rinks, those early days of competition helped shape the dynamic they share now. 

“It still feels crazy,” said Griffin. “It kind of just brings me back to the mini stick days.” 

As they continue their journey together this season, both Darby’s are focused on improving their individual games while also growing within the Winterhawks’ system. They each have specific goals they’re working towards as they navigate this unique experience. 

While they may be at slightly different stages of their careers, one thing remains clear: the Darby brothers are writing their own story in the WHL, one that began in their backyard but now stretches across the country, from Swift Current to Portland. Together, they’re making the most of every moment on and off the ice, as teammates, brothers, and competitors. 

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