WHL Stars of Tomorrow: Liam and Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers

Growing up in Osoyoos, B.C., Liam and Markus Ruck found themselves gravitating to the Vancouver Canucks as their NHL affiliation. And, while their distance from the club played a factor in their loyalty, it was their hockey role models – Daniel and Henrik Sedin – who truly lured the identical twins into the fanbase.

So, whenever a trip to Vancouver, B.C. was scheduled by the Ruck household, it was the two brothers who were bursting with excitement.

For them, the opportunity to see the Sedins live was worth any drive.

“We used to be Canucks fans. So, watching [Daniel and Henrik] all the time, their chemistry is unreal. Both work super hard, and they’re just unbelievable players. And, just something we really looked up to as kids,” Markus shared.

Sitting in the stands of Rogers Arena, the future WHL regulars studied the forwards – looking to bring the Swedes’ unparalleled chemistry into their own game.

As Liam and Markus’ schedules got busier, their pitstops to the barn on Griffiths Way lessened. And still, that didn’t stop the pair from modelling their game after the Canucks legends – nor does it stop them now, as members of the Medicine Hat Tigers.

“They’re great role models,” admitted Liam. “Even to this day, we still watch their highlights sometimes and it’s just really exciting to watch.”

It was in May 2023, when the talented twins first joined the Western League scene, as they heard their names called in the first round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

Liam, known as the goal scorer between the two, was the first twin off the board – getting nabbed ninth overall by the Tigers. Markus’ selection followed shortly after, as Medicine Hat bartered a trade with the Seattle Thunderbirds – acquiring the 21st overall selection to take the playmaker.

REMEMBER THE NAME, LIAM RUCK!

The ninth-overall selection in the 2023 #WHLDraft scores his first WHL goal in his first WHL game!@tigershockey pic.twitter.com/5TeEGLQ7tN

— The WHL (@TheWHL) November 23, 2023

Having never played on opposing ends of the ice before, the entire Ruck family entered the draft with hopes that the duo could remain paired together. Their nervousness made for a tense hour between the two selections.

“It was nerve-wracking between picks. [I was] just hoping the Tigers would be able to get me somewhere. So, was glad they were able to trade up and then get me with the 21st pick,” Markus admitted.

Mirroring the need to keep the twins together off the ice, their on-ice connection is also a non-negotiable. Clearly talented individuals in their own right, the duo also excels at leaving a destructive path of domination when paired together.

It’s a chemistry that comes solely from their familiarity with one another.

“Off the ice, we’re really close. Pretty much everything we do, we do it together. All of our habits are the same. We do everything similar, and it makes us better on the ice together because we kind of know what we’re planning,” Liam shared.

“[We’re] just always talking to each other, watching hockey games together. Stuff like that makes it easier just knowing where they’re going to be on the ice and stuff,” Markus continued.

The Tigers organization was also well aware of the one-of-a-kind chemistry and bond that Liam and Markus provide. For the Club’s management, it was a combination that was best served wearing Medicine Hat’s iconic black and orange uniforms.

“When you see them play together live at their first orientation camp, it’s kind of uncanny. They know where each other are at all times. Separated, they’re really good players and then when you put them together, they got a knack for finding each other,” Tigers Associate Coach Joe Frazer shared. “It’s a pretty special duo, and we’re really excited to have them on board this year.”

The @tigershockey have announced the signing of twins Liam and Markus Ruck to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreements.

The pair were both selected by Medicine Hat in the first round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

📰 | https://t.co/4DgkuSJq6t pic.twitter.com/kQ6rYRH5Lx

— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 30, 2023

Tasked with offering insight and coaching expertise to his players, Frazer admits that oftentimes he gets caught watching the Rucks’ on-ice connection. In his 14-year tenure with the Tigers, no two players have had chemistry similar to Liam and Markus.

“When you’re watching from the bench, sometimes you get caught in awe, like, ‘how’d they see that play there,'” Frazer said.

“Linden Vey and Emerson Etem were really good together. I think [Hunter] Shinkaruk and Etem were great together. Trevor Cox and Cole Sanford were a dynamic duo,” he continued. “I don’t think you can really replicate the chemistry that [the Rucks] have.”

The addition of the 16-year-old forwards couldn’t come at a better time for the Tigers franchise either. Fresh off a summer that saw star-forward Gavin McKenna claim the WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year award, teammates Cayden Lindstrom, Andrew Basha, and Hunter St. Martin become NHL prospects, and trades that added the likes of Jonas Woo, Bryce Pickford, and Ryder Ritchie to the frey, the Tigers’ window to win has just flown open.

It’s also a window that Frazer hopes the Rucks can capitalize on.

“It doesn’t really matter who you’re playing with. You’re going to play with somebody who has high offensive skills. I think as a young guy, that’s exciting, because whoever you get to play with, you’re going to be able to create some offense, and that’s what most forwards want to do.”

As for Liam and Markus, September can’t come soon enough.

“It’s always been a dream of ours to play in the league together. We’re super excited for that, but the year is going to be a grind. A lot of games and not very much time. But, we’re excited for it, and can’t wait to get started,” Liam said.

The pair also hopes that it won’t be too difficult for their teammates to tell each forward apart, despite their near-identical looks. But, they are more than willing to give their buddies some time.

“They mix it up here and there. They’ll get better as it goes on. But, for now, they’re 50-50,” Liam teased.

So, as the twins continue to familiarize themselves with the team, it seems their on-ice distinctions and jersey numbers will have to do – for now.

“Well, we shoot different ways. So, on the ice, they can figure that out,” Liam continued.