By: Hayley Whittaker & Jackson Vukman
Siblings Bond Across RMU Hockey
There's something special about sharing the ice, but sharing it with family takes the hockey experience to another level. Across Robert Morris ACHA Hockey, several players are siblings within the program who have grown up competing, supporting, and pushing each other both on and off the ice. From childhood tournaments to college game days, these players bring more than just skill to the rink; they bring a bond that's been built for years.
For Brice and Brock Mroczka, hockey has always been shared. Now both playing for RMU Men's Division 3 while also living together on campus, their connection extends far beyond the rink.
Brice describes his older brother as a role model, someone who helped guide him not only through hockey but through the transition into college life. That mentorship shows up in their dynamic on the ice as well, "Brock stops the puck, and I score them," Brice said, perfectly summing up their complementary roles as goalie and forward.
For Brock, having his younger brother alongside him has deepened his understanding of the game. As a goalie, he credits Brice with helping him see the ice from a new perspective, allowing him to better understand the decisions and thought processes of the players in front of him.
The two have been inseparable throughout their hockey careers, from youth tournaments where they filled downtime with knee hockey and team activities to now sharing an apartment and daily routines. While Brock believes both of them are highly competitive, Brice is quick to give his brother the edge, noting that goalies "have to be the most competitive players on the ice."
Off the ice, their bond is just as strong. Whether it's golfing, playing video games, or grabbing food together, the two spend most of their time side-by-side. Even in competition, Brice admits he usually has the upper hand, at least for now, though Brock says he's "closing the gap," especially on the golf course.
For the Medved siblings, hockey isn't just a sport; it's the foundation of their family bond. With Bri and Bailey competing together on RMU Women's Division 2 and Braden playing on the Men's ACHA Division 1 team, the trio has carried their shared passion all the way to the collegiate level.
"My siblings are my entire world," Bri said, emphasizing how meaningful it is to not only attend the same school, but to continue playing the sport they grew up loving together. Living in the same house, the three experience daily life side-by-side, creating a dynamic that blends family, friendship, and teamwork.
On the ice, Bri and Bailey have developed strong chemistry as defensive partners, relying on communication and trust. Off the ice, Braden's hockey knowledge gives both sisters a resource they lean on for feedback and insight. "We're always helping each other," Bri explained, highlighting the constant support system they've built.
Their shared history includes years of playing together growing up, but some of the most meaningful moments have come at RMU, like when Bri was on the ice for Bailey's first collegiate goal. Moments like that reinforce not only their connection to the game, but to each other.
Despite their closeness, competition is never far away. Bri admits she might be the most competitive of the three, though they all enjoy turning everyday moments into friendly rivalries. Whether it's hockey, school, or even quick trips to Sheetz between classes, the Medved siblings find ways to make everything more fun together. At the core of it all is family. From pregame traditions like fist bumps to simply spending time together at home, their bond continues to grow one shared experience at a time.
For Sarah and Daniel Killen, hockey has always been intertwined with their relationship, but so has a sense of humor and adventure.
Sarah credits her brother as the reason she started playing hockey in the first place, leaving figure skating behind because she "wanted to be just like him." That influence has carried through the years, shaping not only her game but their connection.
Now, both at RMU, their relationship continues to evolve in unique ways, even sharing a public speaking class. Sarah joked that watching Daniel present is "really funny," but also comforting, making the experience easier with someone familiar by their side.
Their hockey memories stretch back to childhood, filled with tournaments and long days spent at the rink. While she admits she didn't fully appreciate those moments at the time, she now recognizes how meaningful that time with family truly was.
Daniel, on the other hand, keeps things simple: "We go everywhere together." Whether it's hockey, traveling, or everyday life, the two are rarely far apart. Their shared experiences extend far beyond the rink, with trips spanning across the world and another planned to Whistler for snowboarding this winter.
When it comes to competition, Daniel usually comes out on top according to both of them, though Sarah is quick to point out she has the edge in snowboarding. Still, their relationship isn't defined by rivalry, but by balance. As Sarah puts it, her brother helps remind her to relax and enjoy the moment, while she admires his resilience and ability to find humor in anything.
As triplets, Timothy and Faith Williams have spent nearly their entire lives side-by-side, and that connection shows in everything they do, from hockey to everyday life at RMU.
Growing up, hockey was all family. Timothy recalls countless moments on the ice together, especially during high school when the two shared practices and pushed each other to improve. For him, those moments represent some of the closest they've ever been.
Faith sees it the same way, describing her brother as both her biggest supporter and best friend. Having him at school has given her a constant sense of confidence, knowing she always has someone in her corner. "It makes me want to play better," she said, noting how their shared competitiveness drives both of them.
That competitiveness is a defining part of their relationship, though both are quick to call each other out. Timothy claims he always wins, while Faith confidently disagrees, saying "everything is a competition," from hockey to academics.
Despite the rivalry, their personalities bring balance to their teams. Both describe themselves as easygoing and humorous, often using jokes to keep things light and bring energy to those around them.
Off the ice, their bond remains just as strong. Whether it's studying together, watching sports, or sharing pregame traditions like candy and conversations, the two continue to rely on each other in every aspect of life.
For Kris and Zack Connelly, their relationship is built on competition, sarcasm, and years of shared hockey experiences. Whether it's on the ice or during long drives to and from practice, the two have developed a bond that's equal parts rivalry and brotherhood.
Kris describes his sibling as his "greatest competition and rival," jokingly adding that his brother "always loses," a statement that perfectly captures their dynamic. That competitive edge carries into every aspect of their relationship, even when they can't quite agree on who would win in a race.
Their hockey journey together has been filled with memorable moments, including winning a championship during Kris's junior year, an experience that stands out as one of their biggest shared accomplishments. Despite playing different styles, they complement each other well, with one bringing finesse and "hands," while the other focuses on physicality and "laying the body."
Off the ice, much of their time together has been spent side-by-side, sometimes by necessity. Long daily drives to practice have made them especially close, with Kris noting that spending "two hours a day" together will do that. Even those routines became part of their experience, with one clear benefit: having someone else take the wheel on the way home.
Their competitive nature doesn't stop, though. When asked who is more competitive, Kris didn't hesitate: "Me… because I'm the one writing this." Even questions about winning turn into playful non-answers, reinforcing just how evenly matched and unwilling to concede they really are.
At the end of the day, whether they're competing, joking, or just grabbing tacos together, the Connelly brothers bring a lighter, more humorous side to the RMU hockey sibling experience, one built on rivalry but rooted in connection.
Sibling Connections
While each sibling pair has its own unique dynamic, one thing remains consistent across RMU Club Hockey: the impact of family. Whether it's pushing each other to be better, providing constant support, or simply sharing the experience, these players show that hockey is more than just a game; it's a connection that lasts far beyond the rink.
