It’s not something you see every day, a brother and sister goalie tandem, but that’s exactly what happened when the Glace Bay Miners U18A hit the ice at the Miners Forum.

Michael O’Neil started between the pipes, while his sister Emily O’Neil looked on from the bench as the backup.

Head Coach Darrel MacAulay says it all started when his son, Noah MacAulay, who is also a goalie hurt his knee. Darrel says he needed a backup quickly and knew Emily was ready for the job.

“As I have coached Emily for many years I was able to see her progress and I am totally comfortable with her progress and development,” Said MacAulay. “She is a fantastic goaltender who I felt deserved any opportunity to play at the Midget “A” level if needed.”

Emily has also practiced with the U18A team while their goalies were unavailable at different times, but MacAulay says this is the first time the pair suited up together for a game.

“The fact that her brother Michael plays here had nothing to do with her call up but rather a fantastic bonus!” said MacAulay.

MacAulay says both Goaltenders are a pleasure to watch and give 110% when they play. 

We think it must be in the genes!