Twins’ Hockey Dreams Propel Them in Different Directions

Hockey has long been a shared passion for twins Haley and Madison Blaine, but as they embark on their collegiate journeys, the sport is now taking them in separate directions. Born on January 16, 2007, the sisters spent last season playing with the under-18 Brandon Wheat Kings. This year, they will be apart—Haley will attend Midland University in Nebraska, while Madison will pursue her studies and hockey at Olds College in Alberta.

“It’s definitely going to be a lot, especially not being separated for the 12 or 13 years we played together,” Haley remarked. The twins have developed a unique on-ice chemistry, often knowing each other’s movements without needing to communicate. “We took one car to the rink every single day together; we did everything together. It’s definitely going to be a big change,” she added.

Separation will bring challenges, not least the physical distance of over 2,200 km, roughly equivalent to the distance from Brandon to Vancouver or Toronto. Despite this, the twins are optimistic about maintaining their bond through technology. “That’s what FaceTime is for,” Madison said. “We’ll be able to follow each other along and see how we are progressing.”

The twins’ hockey journey began at an early age. Madison started playing at five years old, and Haley joined her the following season after watching her sister play. “I always watched hockey growing up. It was a big thing in our family,” Haley explained. Their shared experiences on the ice have created a strong foundation.

Throughout their careers, the twins played together on the same teams, with Haley positioned on defense and Madison as a forward. Madison humorously recalled her attempts at being a goalie, saying, “My dad spent a ton of money on me to get goal equipment, but I would get lazy and let all the goals in because the equipment was too heavy.” Eventually, she switched back to forward for greater involvement in the game.

Both players have distinct styles on the ice. Madison is known as a power forward, not shying away from physical play. “You need a player who works hard and does what she can for the team,” Haley noted. Last season, Madison recorded one goal and four assists in 37 games, alongside 40 penalty minutes. In contrast, Haley, a skilled playmaker and defender, tallied five goals and eight assists.

Their shared experience with the Brandon Wheat Kings has shaped their development significantly. “Playing at home turned out amazing,” Madison reflected, highlighting the importance of having family and friends in attendance during games. However, the Wheat Kings’ U18 AAA program faced challenges, folding after one season due to player departures.

Looking ahead, the Manitoba Female Hockey League will undergo significant changes, introducing a new elite league structure in the 2026-27 season. This new model will allow greater freedom for players to try out for teams beyond their local associations.

As they transition to college life, both Haley and Madison are excited yet apprehensive about the changes ahead. Haley will study criminal justice with a minor in psychology, leaving on August 19 for her first practice on August 25. Madison heads to Olds on August 23, where she will pursue a degree in business management.

The twins began hearing from college teams while in Grade 11. Haley visited Midland University and felt an instant connection. “I loved the facility, loved the coaching staff and the girls,” she said. Meanwhile, Madison explored several schools before committing to Olds College, valuing the personal attention she received from the coaching staff.

Despite the physical distance, both sisters are determined to support one another in their respective endeavors. “I felt if we stayed together throughout university, we’d never be able to have our own separate lives,” Madison explained.

As they embrace this new chapter, both twins express gratitude for their shared experiences while recognizing the importance of individual growth. “We know even if we didn’t talk for days or even months, we would go back to each other and things would still be the same,” Haley stated, emphasizing the strength of their bond.

The twins are ready to embark on their separate journeys, each carving out their path while remaining connected through their shared love of hockey.