Brothers on different teams square off in National Lacrosse League semi-finals

National Lacrosse League semi finals come with some sibling rivalry this year – as the Hossack brothers battle for the championship.

When the finals for the National Lacrosse League (NLL) loom, Matt and Graeme Hossack change their brotherly tune.

“We don’t talk to each other the week before. We tend to just go about our own business,” said Graeme Hossack, defenceman for the Halifax Thunderbirds. “We just understand that you kind of want to build up that rivalry, so to say. We don’t need to talk about it; just we’ll do it. And then we’ll go back to being friends afterwards.”

Matt Hossack, defenceman for the Saskatchewan Rush, doubled down on his brother’s sentiment.

“We don’t talk before. Keep it casual or keep it friendly,” he laughed. “For the most part.”

Although the brother’s faced off earlier this year, it’s been a while since they’ve met in the playoffs.

“Last time would have been 2018, Rochester-Sask. finals when we were in Rochester,” said Graeme. “Obviously that one didn’t come out in our favour so I’m looking to swing it the other way this time.”

Since that game, both Graeme and Matt have gotten married, and Graeme has had a son.

“It’s exciting. I mean, the family aspect is, I think it’s important for everybody,” said Matt. “It’s a lot different than what it was back I 2018; we’ve got families now. So, it’s just it’s new experiences for everybody.”

The family they grew up with still don’t take sides, even amid the playoffs.

“My dad flew into it, but he always does home team jersey and away hat,” said Matt. “That’s what he does to compromise. Everybody else watches at home.

“I don’t know if they put a jersey on necessarily, but they certainly watch and enjoy the game.”

“I think it’s a testament to a lot of what my parents sacrificed to allow us to both play lacrosse, to continue to play it all of our lives,” said Graeme. “And it’s something we both love. We’ve taken off with it. Honestly, we are both here playing at the highest level against each other.”

Matt is expecting his first child in November, while Graeme’s son continues to grow up around the game.

“I just can’t wait to continue to watch him get a little bit older, experience it a little bit differently every time. And it’s always going to be a little bit different,” he said. “But it’s very exciting to see him enjoy lacrosse once again. One of my passions as well.”

Both brothers know the game is growing across Canada.

“It’s cool just because our national summer sport is lacrosse,” said Matt. “I think it’s really good for us, and the franchises as well, and the three fan bases that have semifinals are good fan bases.”

“It shows how much Canada loves box lacrosse,” said Graeme. “And I think where the league is going is really cool, and the fact that there’s three Canadian teams in the semis.”

Saskatchewan finished second in the NLL and were granted two potential home games in the best of three semi-finals. To not complicate things, the league decided the first game would be held in Halifax, with the second and third deciding games in Saskatoon the following weekend.

The Thunderbirds dropped their first ever franchise semi-final game 17-6. In order to stay alive, they must win back-to-back games in Saskatoon on May 10 and 11.

The Vancouver Warriors were knocked out by defending champions, the Buffalo Bandits.

Both brothers are up for defender of the year award.

And while Graeme is happy for the recognition his brother is receiving, his competitive spirt isn’t dwindling.

“He’s had a fantastic year. It’s just unfortunate I want to end it,” he laughed.