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WINNIPEG – Even though the Manitoba Moose are hitting the road, two players will still be home.
“I think we’ll probably have more fans than the (Ontario) Reign,” said Manitoba’s leading goal scorer Chase De Leo.
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The forward along with goalie Eric Comrie will play their first professional game in front of family and friends when the Moose visit California next week. De Leo’s mom alone has already collected fifty tickets for Wednesday’s match against the Reign.
“It’s a little too cold for my grandma to come up to Winnipeg and watch a game,” said De Leo. “I think she’s excited to be able to watch in person.”
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The pair though don’t just share a state or sweater but also a close friendship.
“They know each other’s day-to-day routine,” said Moose head coach Keith McCambridge. “It’s a connection they can build with the rest of the group.”
De Leo and Comrie’s friendship started by chance. De Leo was at the rink one day when he was younger and needed someone to shoot on. Comrie happened to be at the same rink and needed someone to shoot on him. The two instantly became best buds. A handful of years ago, they signed a pact that promised they would someday play professional hockey together.
“For us, it’s little things like that that keep your bond and strength together,” said Comrie.
Which helps when things get a little heated back at the pals’ pad.
“Living with him is like living with my dad all over again,” said De Leo. “He’s on me for my dishes, picking up my laundry, all of that stuff.”
“I like my kitchen area very clean,” replied Comrie. “I’m very meticulous. He’s better than what he says. He’s really good at cleaning up and doing good stuff.”
But even better at being a friend.
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