BUFFALO — The Pittsburgh Penguins kept twin forwards Liam and Markus Ruck together at the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting Liam 22nd overall in the first round on Friday and Markus 39th overall, seventh in the second round, on Saturday at KeyBank Center.
The 18-year-olds, who have played side by side since they first skated on a backyard rink at age two, waited through six second-round picks before Pittsburgh chose Markus. The family described the two-day wait as tense but said the outcome was worth it, with relief and excitement all around.
The Ruck Brothers: A Unique Bond in Hockey
The brothers grew up in the Vancouver area and modeled their path after the Sedin twins, who entered the NHL together in 1999. Their playing styles complement each other: Liam is a right-shot winger known for scoring, while Markus is a left-shot center who thrives as a playmaker. Skating together for Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League this season, they finished first and second in league scoring. Markus posted 108 points (21 goals, 87 assists) in 68 games, and Liam had 104 points (45 goals, 59 assists) in 68 games.
After donning Penguins hats and jerseys, the twins completed media duties largely together. They also received a congratulatory phone call from team captain Sidney Crosby, adding to a day that they said felt increasingly real as it unfolded. The family noted the brothers’ close bond and similar personalities, and said they believe the two bring out the best in each other as they begin their next chapter in Pittsburgh.
As they transition into the NHL, fans are eager to see how the Ruck brothers will adapt to the professional level. Their journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere, proving that dedication, talent, and a strong familial bond can pave the way for success. The hockey world is undoubtedly watching as these twins take the ice together, hoping to make their mark in the league while continuing to support one another on and off the rink.