Hilworth brothers relishing first chance to play together

Just a few weeks into the season however, a unique opportunity presented itself to Cooper and his older brother Jack.

Within days, Jack showcased his skills in front of Cubs brass and the team signed the 19-year-old to play alongside his brother.

The hard work paid off on Sunday at the Kinplex, as Jack scored his first two goals as a member of the Cubs with Cooper assisting on his first career HJHL marker.

Jack said it was a special moment that he and his brother will share for a lifetime.

“I loved playing on a line with him and I’m really happy we got the chance to,” said Jack. “I’m happy he was there and able to witness it together. And, I could not say how happy I am to play this hockey and how we work together, our team is just great.”

Taking a year off hockey last season to work in Calgary, the eldest brother hasn’t had much of an issue in getting his game back to mid-season form.

Dressing for just five games since signing with the team, Jack’s two goals and five points has given Cubs head coach J.D. Gaetan plenty of confidence in his latest signing.

“We had no issues bringing him in and giving him a shot,” said Gaetan. “He’s been off his skates for about a year, but we’re seeing him start to find his groove and I think he’s going to be an important part of our team.”

Aside from a handful of call-ups for Cooper in minor hockey, this is the first time both brothers have been able to skate on the same team.

However, the Hilworths have quite the history in the ‘Gas City’ including their uncle John Hilworth, who played for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 1970s and later played 57 games in the NHL.

Cooper said the entire family is celebrating this season, as it’s a return of sorts for the Jasper-based clan to their hockey roots.

“My uncle played for the Tigers here, so just to be back here and everything is pretty cool,” said Cooper. “My dad made this team too, so it’s pretty cool just to play where our family has already been. For my parents, they’re pretty stoked that we’re both playing on the same team.”

Dropping a pair of games over the weekend against the Strathmore Wheatland Kings, the Cubs will take on the Red Deer Vipers at the Kinplex on Friday night at 8:15 pm.

by Scott Roblin

Hilworth brothers relishing first chance to play together

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