JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hockey runs deep in the Cockerill family as two brothers, Garret and Logan, proudly represent the Jacksonville Icemen, donning the same team logo on the ice.
Garret Cockerill, a defenseman for the Jacksonville Icemen, shares an apartment with his younger brother, Logan, who plays as a forward for the same team. Despite the sibling dynamic, Garret humorously notes, "We live together, I make him clean the apartment all the time since he's a rookie. It's working out great; I love every second of it."
Hockey is not just a sport for the Cockerill brothers; it's a family tradition that has been ingrained in their lives since childhood. Logan reminisces, "When I was younger, you're watching your older brother," highlighting the influence Garret had on his hockey aspirations.
The dream of playing together on the same team seemed like a distant fantasy during their mini-stick battles at home. However, that dream has now become a reality as the Cockerill brothers grace the ice together, proudly wearing the Jacksonville Icemen uniform.
As Garret, in his 7th season, contemplated hanging up his skates after his current contract, fate intervened when the Icemen extended an offer to Logan. Logan eagerly accepted, ensuring the continuation of their on-ice partnership.
Logan expresses his enthusiasm, saying, "Of course, I wanted him to come back. It was an experience we never had before, playing with each other. So, for him to come back and live together and play together, it's been awesome."
For the Cockerill brothers, playing together feels like a return to the "old days." Garret reflects, "I think he teaches me how to skate a little better, and I teach him how to fight, so it goes both ways. We learn from each other all the time."
As the two brothers continue to make memories on the ice, their journey with the Jacksonville Icemen becomes a testament to the enduring bond of family and the shared passion for the game of hockey.