LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The UNLV hockey program would describe their program, and more specifically the locker room, as a brotherhood; and for a pair of players for the roster, that means more than most for Cole and Jaxsen Wyatt.
“I actually didn’t like hockey at first, but he kept playing so I was kind of forced to keep playing and eventually it kind of worked out for both of us,” smiled Skatin’ Rebels defenseman Jaxsen Wyatt.
“Me and our cousins are pretty close, and we all play hockey, so I think it was one of those things he wanted to be with us, play with us and I’m glad we got him into it, and he stuck with it,” explained Skatin’ Rebels forward Cole Wyatt.
Cole and Jaxsen Wyatt were born 14 months apart, growing up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada.
“Obviously, competitive, he was always older, so I got to learn off him, said Jaxsen. ”I was always the young kid on the team, and he was always the vet, I got pushed around early, but I think it toughened me up.”
“We’ve won a lot of championships together growing up, I’ve had a lot of fun over the years with him,” said Cole. “Growing up we were close, similar friends, and then the hockey aspect we were on many of the same teams and then having him follow me out here, it’s been great, my family can spend a lot of time down here, so much fun to play, go to college and do it with my brother.”
Cole was recruited to play for UNLV hockey in 2021 and Jaxsen followed suit the very next season.
“As kids we argued a lot more than we do, as we got older, we became friends and he’s easy to talk to, to learn from as an older brother and vice versa. We’re not afraid to get personal with each other because I know he can take it; I can take it. Banter has changed over the years, but it’s brought us a lot closer as brothers and friends.”
Cole is in the midst of his senior season with the scarlet and gray and while he hasn’t made any final decisions on his playing career, he and Jaxsen understand their time together playing competitive puck is nearing an end.
“I think it’s just every day, not taking it for granted, spending time with him out here, going into every game it might be our last together,” said Jaxsen. “We’ve been playing together for so long, like will it ever end, but I guess it’s getting to that point maybe we should have that conversation.”
“I’m just trying to enjoy each day at practice, being with my brother, my other family here, said Cole. ”It’s been a long, long ride, but there is still a lot of work to do and just want to finish out the year strong with a national championship.”
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