Ohio State-Michigan hockey rivalry turning into a family affair

This weekend, Michigan hockey will be facing off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. The last matchup between these two teams was just one month ago, and both teams took a game each to split the series.

Since then, Michigan has gone 7-1, while Ohio State went 2-3-1. This weekend, however, decides who takes the final bragging rights of the regular season. Not to mention, game two of the series is taking place at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, the home of the Cleveland Browns.

However, these games, especially this series, mean so much more to two players, the Duke Brothers.

From Brothers to Rivals

They’ve gone from brothers to teammates and now to rivals. The two brothers grew up playing hockey together, playing for the United States National Development Program. Now, they will play against each other in their hometown this weekend.

The two brothers are sophomore forward Dylan Duke for the Wolverines and his little brother, freshman defenseman Tyler Duke for the Buckeyes. Their father, Steve Duke, played collegiate hockey at Western Michigan, and many expected them to follow in his footsteps, but the Duke brothers had other plans.

Dylan Duke committed to the Michigan hockey team for the 2021-2022 season. Tyler, who is 16 months younger than Dylan, decided to go to the long-hated rival of the Wolverines just a year later. Dylan and Tyler are some of the most competitive players on their respective teams. It’s not uncommon for Tyler Duke to get chippy with opposing teams, especially when it comes to Michigan.

The last time they played against each other, both put up numbers. Tyler had one goal and four penalties for 11 minutes. Dylan had two goals during the first game of the series.

It has always been competitive with the Dukes, even since they were young. They would get into heated fights in their family home in Strongsville, Ohio, so much so their parents would have to break it up.

Rivalries aside, while they will never support each other’s teams, the Duke brothers will always share a bond like no other. Playing for rival teams such as Michigan hockey and Ohio State will create memories that will last a lifetime for them and their family.

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