Of course the two went on to win a pair of Class AA state championships together in 2009 and 2011 at EPHS.
They were teammates for one year at the University of Minnesota in 2014-15, but never saw the ice together as Seeler was ineligible to play in games because of NCAA transfer rules.
The duo was reunited early this season with Iowa of the American Hockey League. Rau was called up for a three-game cup of coffee near the end of January, posting an assist in a win over Tampa Bay on Hockey Day Minnesota. Seeler was recalled from Iowa a couple of weeks after that and was so impressive down the stretch, he wasn't sent back.
Game 5 on Friday marks the first time in his career Rau will get a chance to suit up in a playoff game, and is looking at his buddy and longtime teammate as inspiration.
"You look at what he's done and you think, 'why can't I do that?'" Rau said.
There is nobody more excited for Rau than Seeler, who has had a front row seat to many of Rau's biggest games during his hockey career, from youth all the way up to high school and college.
Seeing him suit up in a Stanley Cup Playoff game, with the Wild's season on the line, is just another chapter.
"There's no guy more deserving than him. Just based on how hard he works and the mentality he's had all season," Seeler said. "He's been the same way since he was a squirt. He's a competitor. He loves to compete. I can't say enough good things about him. I'm just excited for him to get this opportunity. I think he's going to do very well."
While Rau's stay in the NHL was rather short during the regular season, he impressed coach Bruce Boudreau with his tenacity and his willingness to play physically despite his 5-foot-8, 176-pound frame.
