Chase and Brady Norrish have been teammates in hockey for as long as they can remember.
And now the twins have accepted American college scholarships from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York state which will keep the twins together for at least four more years after they complete their final season with the Yorkton Terriers next spring.
Chase said they had hoped they might end up at the same college.
"When we first started out in Junior we used to talk about it," he said, adding as the seasons passed they realized it might not happen.
"Getting Div I, being two smaller 'D', it wasn't going to be an easy thing," said Chase.
"To keep playing with Chase is something I didn't think would happen again," said Brady.
And then they attended the recent Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Showcase in Warman where an RIT scout made the offer, and were interested in both Norrishs becoming Tigers.
"That was one of the reasons we considered this right away," said Chase.
Brady agreed adding, "going to the same place was important for the family."
While there was immediate appeal to moving to college as a duo, the twins still did some soul searching about whether to jump at what was really the first solid college offer either had received.
Chase said there had been some hints that other colleges were interested, a couple even entertaining an offer to both, but no official offer had been presented.
"We appreciate they (RIT) were looking at us very early (in the Junior season)," said Chase, who added they considered that they might receive other offers had they waited. He said it was one of the considerations they talked about before saying yes.
Brady said he had no preference in a school to attend, but when RIT stepped up and wanted them both it ended up being pretty straight forward in the end.
"I'm going to love being a Tiger," he said.
While much of the decision-making came down to the brothers talking things over, they did turn to others for advice.
One of the first people Chase and Brady talked too was Terrier head coach Trent Cassan.
"Trent talked pretty highly about them," said Chase. "He knew people that went there."
Brady echoed the importance of their current coaches in the decision to accept the RIT offer.
"Trent and Casey (O'Brien) helped us a lot toward the decision," he said.
The Norrish brothers also sought input from their parents.
Chase said his mother would probably have liked a college a bit closer to Saskatchewan, but added they liked that the boys would be going to the same college, an air miles saver when traveling south to watch them play.
It is likely the Norrish twins will step into starting roles next fall with the Tigers, although they take nothing for granted.
Chase said they have spoken with a Tiger Assistant Coach "on the phone when we first accepted the offer." He added he expects to learn more about what is expected of them when they are flown east for a look around the college in the next few weeks.
Chase added there is likely to be some culture shock moving from Saskatchewan to New York state.
"It'll be a whole new world down there," he said.
"I think it will be a good challenge,"offered Brady, adding it should be an experience where they can mature both as players and individuals.
Brady added facing the challenge of RIT will be easier because his brother will be there too. He said it will be good to have Chase around to yell at him if he needs a push to get going.
"We'll probably get some ice time," said Chase, then adding "but you never get that guarantee.
"Hopefully me and my brother will be solid D-men for them."
Asked about the education side of attending college, neither brother has made an ironclad decision on their eventual career path.
Brady said he is looking at something in business, but will look at year one classes which keep his "options open."
Chase said he is leaning toward electrician, but added "I have a lot of interests in life," so he plans to take some time "and try and figure something out the first few years (of college)."
But careers could well be put on hold post college too.
"I'd love to keep going with a hockey career I'd like to keep playing hockey as long as possible, keep having fun with it," said Chase, adding that is something you just can't bank on.
"I just want to do my best and see where it takes me," he said.
Brady agreed hockey would be his preference after his time as a Tiger.
"Right now I'd love to keep playing hockey, but if it doesn't work out I have a career to fall back on," he said.
Getting the scholarship early does take some apprehension off the pair for the rest of the season, but it doesn't change what they want to accomplish this year, another SJHL championship, and an eventual spot in the Royal Bank Cup.
"It does take a little weight off," said Brady.
After coming up a goal short in achieving an RBC berth this spring, Chase said the veterans on the Terriers want another shot badly.
"We know what it feels like," he said, adding the league crown and chance in the Western Canada Cup were both highlights for a Junior player. " Everybody wants that feeling again."
Brady said it's a process for the team.
"My focus is still on the team winning the next game," he said. "I think we have a great bunch of guys and just want to keep going."
Brady added repeating as champions is "definitely our goal as a team."
Chase said he certainly believes the team can repeat.
"I think we're just as good (as last season) that's for sure," he said. " If everybody's got the drive we can be a very successful team."
