Nick, the older of the two, has been present for many of Marcus' big days in the NHL. He was there when Marcus was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Each of Marcus' first two NHL games came against Nick, when he played for the Ottawa Senators. Marcus scored his first NHL goal against his brother's team as well.
"I know he probably wished he wasn't there for my first goal but it was against him so it made it even better," Marcus said. "I think it just shows the way he's supported me throughout my career and always been there to guide me and help me along the way."
That relationship has also been a two-way street.
Marcus was there when Nick was picked by Ottawa in the first round of the 2006 NHL Draft. He's also made it to both Ottawa and Columbus to watch Nick play in the playoffs. He was there when Nick scored his first NHL playoff goal with Ottawa in 2008.
"It's been both ways like that. It's pretty special you get to spend those special moments together," Marcus said. "You share special memories like that and you just hope they get better and better along the way."
While Marcus plays the part of the big brother, Nick remains the older of the two. That's allowed him to have a front-row seat as his younger sibling has followed in his footsteps through the Ontario Hockey League, the American Hockey League and now into the National Hockey League.
"We never got to play with each other, in any organized sports. But I think mini-stick rooms, putting holes in walls, always breaking out into fights. Just being able to support him and watch] him," Nick said of some of his favorite things about Marcus growing up. "I think my favorite memories are watching him realize his dream. I got to be there at his draft that day, it was pretty special. You're excited for your own, but to see your brother live out his dream is pretty special and I'm really enjoying watching his career."
[Instagram from @minnesotawild: Brotherly love ��
That meant being there for him when Marcus was traded to Minnesota over the summer. Drafted by his hometown Sabres, Marcus knew no other organization in his NHL career until he was moved to the Wild along with Tyler Ennis in June.
While it has taken Marcus some time to adjust to his new surroundings, Nick -- also his summer training partner -- knows what his younger brother is capable of.
"I'm excited to see him in that uniform," Nick said. "I've been watching him on TV, but to actually see him up close, it'll be pretty fun and a new experience. Happy for him, he's played well of late, so I'm looking forward to seeing him out there."
After going 13 games without a point in the month of December, Marcus has picked up his play in recent weeks, scoring one goal and chipping in six assists while posting a plus-4 in his past 10 games.
"I think he's understanding his role a little bit better," said Wild coach Bruce Boudreau. "He's not so ... uptight when he handles the puck and consequently he's had a little more success."
