 | PK Subban, Malcom Subban and Jordan Subban will one day be a popular trio of brothers playing in the NHL. PK plays for the Montreal Canadiens and Malcom and Jordan play for the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League. | |
Whitby - Sep. 30, 2011 - When you think of superstar NHL siblings, your mind obviously slides to names like Bure, Statsny, Staal,
Niedermayer, and of course, Sutter. Within the next four years, the first name on the end of your tongue will be Subban. As in Pernell Karl (PK), Malcolm and Jordan, three gifted and athletic sons to proud parents Maria and Karl Subban.
The Montreal faithful are already familiar with P.K. and the athleticism, confidence and attitude that he brings to the game on a nightly basis for le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. The loyal fans of the Belleville Bulls in the OHL are a step or two ahead of the rest of us as they are now witnessing the rise to power and stardom of P.K.’s two younger brothers, Malcolm (18 years old) and Jordan (16 years old). Both younger Subbans are playing together as teammates for the Bulls of the OHL.
As a faithful season ticket holder with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL since 2004, I have had the privilege of seeing many junior players develop their craft to only later be drafted into the NHL. I used to loathe P.K. Subban, who, as a Belleville Bull stellar defenseman (he was originally a sixth round pick), never seemed to be stoppable by any of the Generals’ skaters or goaltenders. P.K. used to rush almost Bobby Orr-esque-like from end-to-end with the puck and always seemed to find his way onto the score sheet game-in-game-out. P.K. was not only good with his stick; he was also good at agitating the opposition and fans alike.
I was the fool who thought he and then Generals’ phenom centreman John Tavares used to despise one another - they always shared a healthy rivalry on the ice when Belleville and Oshawa met - it was only years later that I learned they were very close friends away from the ice.
Today, I love that P.K. is a Hab - he is exciting to watch when he plays for your favourite team. P.K. is skilled both on the ice and off. He has excelled at every level of hockey he’s played at and was selected in the second round (43rd overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by Les Canadiens.
Rarely do we get to witness an athlete that is not only gifted at his trade, but one that also carries a charismatic and charming personality in front of media. How does a gifted athlete find his way to the big leagues? It is not just on skills alone; a huge reason for P.K.’s success starts at home. Growing up in Rexdale (northwest Toronto), P.K.’s family was raised on athletics and education. Subban’s mother Maria is a bank quality control analyst while father Karl, is a principal at Brookview Middle School in the Humberwood area. Karl spent many winters flooding the backyard rink for his sons (the Subbans also have a daughter Natasha). In his younger days, Karl was a basketball legend at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Karl was also a huge fan of the Montreal Canadiens when at the age of 11, he and his parents emigrated from Jamaica to Sudbury.
For the Subbans, hockey is a family affair. Malcolm (18 years old) is one of two other Subban brothers who is honing his skill and craft in the game of hockey via the goaltending position.
Malcolm is currently playing in his second full season with the Belleville Bulls. He is the team’s starting netminder. In 2010, he was named to the OHL 1st All-Rookie Team. Malcolm also played for Canada at the
under-18 championship. Malcolm is different to brother P.K. in terms of his makeup. Malcolm is more laid back
than his older brother which is a good thing as he needs to remain calm in the net for his Bulls’ squad.
Malcolm is passionate, very competitive and has great athleticism, but don’t take my word for it - I don’t know what it takes to be a bonafide netminder. Rather, rely on the insight and experience of a former goaltender in Jerry Shields. Jerry, a close personal friend of mine, analyses and evaluates goaltending talent from across the world. Jerry shared his insight on Malcolm Subban when Subban first broke onto the OHL scene with the Bulls back in 2009 in an article he wrote on his website, www.goalierankings.com.
La crème de la crème of the Subban brothers may very well be the youngest son, Jordan. Oldest brother P.K. has
admitted that Jordan is the better of the two. Jordan was selected in the 1st round (fifth overall) in the 2011 OHL Priority Draft by the same Belleville Bulls.
Jordan has already received some high praise from Bulls’ Coach and General Manager George Burnett.
Jordan helped his Toronto Marlboros’ team win the OHL Cup in Toronto last March. He has drawn rave reviews for his skating and his offensive abilities. Jordan considers himself an offensive defenseman and is more polished than P.K. was at the same age. Jordan already has one assist in his first three games with the Bulls in this 2011-12 OHL regular season.
I will be keeping a close eye on both of the younger Subban brothers this OHL season when the Bulls come to town to face the Generals. Malcolm is already making news as a goaltender of choice for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. It is only a matter of time before Jordan jumps onto the Central Scouting radar as an offensive defenseman to watch for years to come.
The Subban brothers will do their parents and their family name proud. It is only a matter of time until somebody asks you “which three brothers are the most popular names to ever play in the NHL?”, and you will be quick to reply, P.K, Malcolm and Jordan Subban. Mark my word!
Until next time, play every game as if it is your last one…
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