A Different Kind of Sibling Duo

In the history of sports, there have been some great sibling duos on teams. But rarely do we ever see a borther-sister combo play for the same squad, in any sport.

That isn't the case when it comes to the Havre Ice Hawks high school hockey team, however, because the 2019-2020 team has a dynamic sibling duo just like that.

Whenever the Havre Ice Hawks hockey team plays in the Havre Ice Dome, it is certain siblings Bridger and Jocelyn Staples will be ready to wreak havoc - together.

The Staples have been moving the puck for around for six years and hockey has become a passion for them. On top of that, playing for the Ice Hawks has allowed the two to compete together, instead of against one another.

"We can just push each other a little harder," Bridger Staples said.

The Staples duo has been a primary part of the Havre team, especially this season. The year started off a bit rocky for the Ice Hawks, but the Staples siblings worked hard to help their team succeed. The work ethic of the two makes for a strong combination on the ice.

Each has had their own highlights throughout the season, too. In the second game of the series against the Flathead Fusion earlier this month, Bridger Staples made one of the overtime shootout goals when the team beat Flathead in an Ice Dome thriller, and he has been a consistent scorer for Havre. Jocelyn Staples has been scoring quite a few goals over the year, too, helping the Ice Hawks and the Girls 19-U team make some noise.

Along with the offensive prowess, the duo has taken up some leadership roles for Havre this season, as well. That leadership alongside their teammates has been a big part of how the Ice Hawks have handled the year.

"You just have to know how to talk to the team," Bridger Staples said. "The beginning of the season was rough. We just got to push ourselves harder.

"But we've gotten closer," Jocelyn Staples said after Bridger mentioned the rough start to the year.

When it comes to the sport and how long the Staples have been a part of it, some moments stand out. The dynamic duo on the ice has had some great memories and it was hard for them to choose from, but they both showed what they remember the most.

"I don't know," they said together. "Just the kids we play with."

The two have many thoughts through their perspective and they both have the skills and talent that have made a big impact on the ice. This will be their last season together. Bridger is a senior and will move on to the next phase of his hockey career once the high school season comes to an end. But together, the duo is still making an impact on the Ice Hawk's program.

Havre head coach Barry Brownlee has seen how much growth Bridger and Jocelyn Staples have made over the years they have been with him, but the impact the siblings leave means multitudes to Brownlee.

"Definitely maturity level," Brownlee said. "Maturity has gotten a lot better. They seem to focus more on what's important in the game rather than their personal thoughts, as much, which is always good. The team has to come first, and I think they're growing that way. They go in, push themselves and, when they do that, the team notices and tries to step it up, too I hope they go further with hockey, even if it's just adult league, and keep growing."

The Staples siblings have their moments like a lot of siblings, but their growth on the team has helped the Ice Hawks move forward with fire and grit. Being on the Havre team has helped the two in many ways, but when asked about how the game has brought them together, Jocelyn Staples had a succinct answer.

"Because we're with each other every day," she said.

Even with the ups and downs over the seasons, the duo have had each other's backs each step of the way. Their motivation on the ice and the leadership that they put forward has assisted the siblings in making them strong competitors on the ice every game they play.

The Ice Hawks will be wrapping up the rest of the season on the road, including the state tournament in Bozeman March 6. Keep and eye out for Bridger and Jocelyn Staples, because they will look to make some noise and help the team push through the postseason.