Has a Father Son ever played together in the NHL?

By Jayson Panganiban December 12, 2023 19:33

Photo by John Russell / NHLI via Getty Images

The National Hockey League (NHL) has a rich history of talented players, with many passing down their skills and love for the game to their sons. While there have been numerous father-son duos in the NHL, it is a rarity for them to play together on the same team at the same time. In this article, we will explore the possibility of father-son combinations playing together in the NHL, the challenges they face, and notable examples of father-son duos in the league.

The Challenge of Father-Son Duos Playing in the NHL

requires exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work. While having a father who played in the league can provide advantages such as coaching and connections, the road to playing in the NHL is still a challenging one. Each player must prove themselves on their own merits, as the NHL is a highly competitive and demanding league.

Father-Son Coaching Relationships

Although playing together in the NHL is rare, there have been instances where fathers have coached their sons. One such example is Lester Patrick, who coached his son Lynn Patrick. Lester Patrick was a legendary figure in hockey and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. He played and coached for the New York Rangers, and his coaching skills were passed down to his son Lynn, who also had a successful career in the NHL.

Notable Father-Son Duos

While father-son duos playing together in the NHL is uncommon, there have been several notable examples of father-son combinations in the league's history.

The Howes

Gordie Howe, often referred to as "Mr. Hockey," is one of the greatest players in NHL history. He played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers, and his sons Mark and Marty Howe also had successful careers in the NHL. However, they did not have the opportunity to play together on the same team.

The Domis

Tie Domi, known for his toughness and physical play, had a long and successful career in the NHL. His son Max Domi followed in his footsteps and currently plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs. While they did not have the chance to play together, both father and son made their mark in the league.

The Tkachuks

Keith Tkachuk, a power forward with a scoring touch, played for the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, and St. Louis Blues. His sons Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are both talented forwards in the NHL, with Matthew playing for the Calgary Flames and Brady for the Ottawa Senators. Although they haven't played together, they have carried on the family legacy with their impressive performances.

While father-son duos playing together in the NHL is a rare occurrence, the league has seen some notable examples of talented players passing down their skills to their sons. The challenges of making it to the NHL are significant for any player, regardless of their family connections. While the dream of seeing a father and son play together on the same team in the NHL remains elusive, the legacies of these father-son duos continue to inspire future generations of hockey players.