Tri-City Herald: Topping brothers face off on Friday
By Annie Fowler | Tri-City Herald
When it comes to ice cream, the toppings are the best part. From creamy caramel and chocolate to fresh berries and whipped cream, there are no rules and there are no limits.
In the Western Hockey League, there are just two Toppings — brothers Mitch and Joel.
Mitch Topping, 19, is a veteran defenseman for the Tri-City Americans, while Joel, a rookie, suits up on the blue line for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Friday, the brothers from Red Deer, Alberta, will face each other in a sanctioned game for the first time when the Hurricanes visit Toyota Center.
“I’m really excited,” Mitch said. “It’s a special moment for us. We are two years apart, and I just missed him (at the lower level) because of the age gap. We get two games in the WHL, one this year and one next year. We are pumped. We are brothers off the ice, but on it, he’s just another guy out there.”
Joel, 17, said he always has looked up to his older brother and that he looks forward to Friday night.
