Sillinger brothers bond defies different hockey paths

Feature photo: IG /  @colesillinger

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An enduring bond and shared love of hockey continue to be a constant in the lives of the Sillinger brothers.

The siblings are all in different chapters of their hockey careers with Cole, 21, in his fourth NHL season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Lukas, 24, playing with Arizona State University and Owen, 27, with the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters – the Blue Jackets’ affiliate. Despite the distance, the trio remains very much on the same page in their affinity for the game and connection to one another.

“Their support has meant everything to me,” said Owen. “We’ve been through so much together and have all had different career paths. We text and FaceTime each other a couple times on a weekly basis. Whenever I get the chance to watch them play, I do, knowing they are doing the same for me.

“We have always been open to any tips or constructive criticism that one another has. Personally, I lean on both my brothers for everything. We are each other’s biggest fans, but also biggest critics. We help each other find balance in not only hockey but in life in general.”

That support is anything but new for Cole, who was drafted by the Blue Jackets 12th overall in 2021.

As the youngest of the three, Cole would have understood if his older brothers left him on the sidelines when they played hockey or hung out with their own friends during their childhood days.

But it was quite the opposite for the sons of former NHL forward Mike Sillinger, who played for 12 teams over 1,049 regular-season games.

“I always felt like I could hang around with them and their friends,” said Cole, who was born in Columbus when Mike was a member of the Blue Jackets. “I appreciated that. They never left me out of things just because I’m the youngest.”

Owen and Lukas were happy to have Cole along for the ride, wherever it took them.

That didn’t mean things didn’t get spirited between the trio.

In fact, it often did and still does to this day.

“It didn’t matter if it was street hockey, mini-sticks or lacrosse in the backyard, everything we did was always a competition,” said Lukas, the eldest of the three. “They are my brothers, but also my best friends.”

“My parents had to be referees on certain days,” recalled Cole. “We’re brothers, but we do everything together, spend the summers together, train together, and go to dinner – anything on a daily basis, whether that is golf or tennis, pickleball, something as simple as who can hike up the hill the fastest, we have always had that competitive nature and mindset.”

They also had an up-close look at NHL life early on and jumped at any offer to visit their father at the arena.

“Growing up around the game of hockey was something my brothers and I never took for granted,” recalled Owen. “We all remember going to games with my mom [Karla] to watch my dad play. It was something we looked forward to each and every game day.

“Whether we got to go to the game or were watching it on TV we were excited for my dad,” Owen continued. “Of course, going into the locker room after and talking with all the guys was rewarding as well. From stealing bubble gum, to asking for sticks, there was always something that caught our eye. 

“As far as fondest memories, us being able to be together and travel to 10 different cities as a family was enough. My mom was great with us three boys, always juggling school and hockey schedules to keep us happy. As young kids, we always embraced change because we knew we had each other to lean on.” 

That attitude hasn’t changed.

“If I am struggling with anything or something is on my mind, I go to them,” said Cole. I think they would say the same as well.”

And they do.

“I’m just extremely thankful to have them in my life,” said Lukas. “I would support them with anything they have a passion for, and I know that they would do the same for me. Hockey has made us closer as brothers and has connected us all as a family.”

There has been little regret or disappointment, individually or as a collective, for the Sillinger boys when it comes to hockey.

Cole, however, shared one recent disappointment: a missed opportunity to skate alongside Owen on the NHL stage.

The latter suited up for his first NHL game on Jan. 9. It would have represented the first time the brothers played together at the NHL level.

“I didn’t get the opportunity because I was out with an injury,” said Cole, who watched Owen play 13:09 in his debut.

“I played with Owen in Cleveland a couple years ago for about 10 games and that was a very cool experience. Lukas and Owen were the ones who got to play together growing up [at Bemidji State] and I was the one who got to be jealous of them.”

The odd enviable moment aside, support for one another has long been a hallmark of the Sillinger family.

It is something that also extends to the brothers’ relationships with teammates over the years.

“As a family, we try to be as balanced individuals as we can,” noted Owen. “Hockey is extremely important to us but it’s not the only thing in life that matters. Working with teammates, how to compete, mental strength, and perseverance have all been some examples of what hockey has taught me. I try to use those skills in my everyday life to not only become a great hockey player, but most importantly a great person, which I know my family cares deeply about.”

Added Lukas, “My love for hockey has helped me as a player and a person. It’s given me friends that will last a lifetime and experiences that will never be forgotten. It’s taught me how to better myself both as a player and person through the positive and negative times in my career.” 

The latter is something Cole and his fellow Blue Jackets experienced after the death of teammate Johnny Gaudreau last August.

“What we went through as a team and as individuals… it puts everything in perspective, including hockey,” said Cole. “When something like that happens, you take a step back, and remember what is really important – family, friends, relationships. I think by doing that, we were able to band together and become even closer as a group.

“You appreciate everyone who is there for you when you need them.”

Something the Sillinger brothers know all about.

“We have always been able to count on one another and be there for one another,” said Cole, who scored his first NHL OT game-winner on Jan. 30. “And I know we always will.”