Ruck twins set for ‘pretty special moment’ in preseason debut with Penguins

CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Liam and Markus Ruck are used to spending time together.

The twin brothers have gone no longer than four consecutive days apart since Markus was born eight minutes ahead of Liam on Feb. 21, 2008, in Osoyoos, British Columbia.

Tuesday will be different.

The 18-year-old forwards will debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins in a preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena (7 p.m. ET; DSN, SN-PIT+). They’ll play on the same line with Markus at center and Liam on the right wing.

“It’s a special one, for sure,” Liam said. “It’s definitely going to be one to remember, putting on an NHL jersey with my brother. It’ll be pretty special.”

“It’s going to be unreal,” Markus said. “It’s something we’ve always dreamed of. So, to be able to put on that NHL jersey and step out on that ice surface, it’s going to be unbelievable.”

Expectations are high for Pittsburgh’s first two picks from the 2026 NHL Draft. Liam was selected in the first round (No. 22); Markus was taken in the second (No. 39).

After practicing in a group full of prospects in the first two days of training camp, Liam was moved to a main group Saturday that included captain Sidney Crosby.

“I think just seeing his practice habits and how hard he works,” Liam said, “it’s special to be out there with him.”

Crosby will also be in the lineup against the Red Wings. So will forward Evgeni Malkin. Each has won the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017).

“I still find it pretty cool,” Liam said. “It’s guys that you grew up watching on TV. Just kind of being in the same dressing room and the same bench as those guys, it’ll be a pretty special moment. I’m super excited about it.”

For Markus, it’s particularly surreal. Before Tuesday, he expected to only take warmups at games. A spot opened when forward Ville Koivunen, who is day to day, sustained an upper-body injury.

“To be out there and share the ice with (Crosby and Malkin) tonight, it’s going to be unreal,” Markus said. “Just trying to pick up the little things that they do. Obviously, they’re doing the right things to get to the level they’re at. Just trying to pay attention to their details on and off the ice. ... Try to be a sponge and soak it all in.”  

Penguins coach Dan Muse has noticed.

“I think it’s what you hope to see from young guys coming into their first camp,” Muse said. “It’s continuing to build. I was in Detroit (for the prospect tournament) and got to see them play in two of the games there. Now, just kind of seeing them through camp, it’s looking more and more comfortable.”

Markus (6-foot, 172 pounds) and Liam (6-0, 181) are identical in more than appearance. They sound the same. Their mannerisms are indistinguishable. As babies, they wore color-coded bracelets to help their parents keep track. As an extra measure, sometimes their toenails were painted.

They’re still nearly impossible to tell apart.

“It’s a lot easier on the ice than it is off the ice,” Muse said. “Yeah, a lot easier.”

Markus is a playmaker who led the Western Hockey League in points (108) and assists (87) last season. His left-handed shot naturally sets up Liam, who is right-handed and was second in points (104) and goals (45). Each was named to the WHL (East) First All-Star Team for their play with Medicine Hat.

The similarities are obvious, but the differences are key. For the first time in the NHL, the Rucks will get to show how they stand out.

Together.

“It’s so special,” Markus said. “I mean, it’s special playing with him no matter where we are, but especially here. That’s going to be a special night. I’m just going to try to make the most of it.

“I think Mom was pretty pumped. She’s at home. She wishes she could be here. ... She’ll be watching on TV, for sure. But our family, and Liam and I, we’re all super excited.”