| Observer-Dispatch
UTICA — Calling mom and dad is a little bit easier for Nolan and John Stevens these days.
As members of the Utica Comets, the brothers — separated by about two years in age — are on the same team for the first time in their professional careers. So, it is simple to hop on the same Zoom call to pass along the latest life updates.
There was a notable update for the brothers Saturday in the Comets’ 6-5 shootout win over Binghamton. It was the first time the pair was in the lineup. Nolan assisted on a first-period goal and then scored in the second period. Meanwhile, John cleaned up a rebound for a shorthanded goal in the second period.
“It is funny. We were laughing with (Comets coach Trent Cull). He asked the same question (about talking to our parents),” Nolan Stevens said Tuesday. “We just had a big Zoom call. It made it easy. Everyone was just on one line, which was cool to do.”
The brothers are part of a hockey family as their dad, John Sr., is an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars. The brothers previously played college hockey together for a few seasons at Northeastern University. Nolan played his first two pro seasons with AHL San Antonio while his brother played parts of four seasons with Bridgeport.
The Comets’ dual affiliation this season with Vancouver and St. Louis made it possible for the brothers to be teammates again. Nolan, a 24-year-old wing, is signed by St. Louis. John, a 26-year old forward, is on an AHL deal with the Comets this season after joining Utica in a trade with Bridgeport in January 2020.
“The fact that my brother is here kind of made the transition a lot easier just meeting all the new guys and stuff. It has been awesome,” said Nolan, who is roommates with his brother. “We’re just pretty grateful for this opportunity. We’re just trying to enjoy it. We thought it would never happen again. It is pretty special we get to do this. It is kind of a weird time in this world, so it makes it a little easier for sure. “
Cull said the brothers are a bridge for players in both organizations during the 32-game schedule. The Comets (2-1-0-0) are set to play their home opener at 7 p.m. Wednesday — without fans due to coronavirus guidelines — against rival Syracuse. Utica is also scheduled to play at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rochester.
“I played against their dad. He’s such a good person and good hockey coach. You can see that in the kids. They’re two really good kids,” Cull said. “I think that’s where that’s helped our group bond together. They’re good hockey players, too. We’re reaping the rewards of that.”
Nolan Stevens said the early experience has been good.
“The first thing here I was really impressed with was how everybody is on board with trying to help you, and you have everything you need to be successful and comfortable,” he said. “Stuff like that helps the team bond way easier and get on board right away. It has been great. I’m looking forward to keeping this thing going and seeing what happens.”
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Roll call
Both veteran goalie Jon Gillies (upper-body) and forward Nathan Walker (undisclosed) practiced with the team Tuesday.
Cull said he thought both could be close to ready to return to the lineup after recently missing time.
Curtis McKenzie was the lone player absent Tuesday, though Cull said it was for a positive life reason.
“It’s something amazing. But, I haven’t spoken with Curtis about if I have permission to release that information,” Cull said.
GOOD TO KNOW
Who: Syracuse Crunch at Utica Comets.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Broadcast: KROCK 94.9 FM; WPNY (Channel 12 for Spectrum subscribers in the Utica area and over the air on channel 20.2); watchtheahl.com (subscription-based service).
Ben Birnell is a sports reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. For unlimited access to his stories, please subscribe at the top of the uticaod.com homepage or activate your digital account today. Email Ben Birnell at bbirnell@gannett.com.