Team Players

“It’s about being part of a family and something that’s bigger than what you are. It’s not really about the name on the back of the jersey.”

Chase and Kim Drake face off. Photo by Jeff Miller; Photo illustration by Earl Madden.

CHASE DRAKE

How old were you when you started playing hockey?

I first started skating when I was three, and I think I got into organized hockey when I was four.

Did you influence your sister’s decision to play hockey?

She was a little bit more of a tomboy when she was growing up. It seemed like she wanted to be just like me — same haircut, same kind of style. She started playing, she fell in love, and that’s where we are now.

Did you grow up with any sibling rivalry?

When we got in high school, we would try to compete against each other as much as we could. I tried to get on the ice with her, and she would try to deke around me. It’s safe to say that she hasn’t got around me yet.

Did you play a role in your sister’s decision to play at Wisconsin?

I’d like to say I did, but it was just more convenient for our family to get to games. I think women’s hockey has such a rich tradition — just like the men’s team — and I think she wanted to be a part of that, too.

What are some of your sister’s strengths on the ice?

Her creativity. I think she’s really skilled, and she’s creative with the puck out there and the things she can do with it. She sees the game well.

What was your best moment in Wisconsin hockey so far?

It was last year, when we won the Big Ten playoff championship game. We were down 4–2 with six minutes left, and we ended up winning in overtime. Or playing in the outdoor game at Soldier Field — that was a blast, and we beat Minnesota.

What does it mean to be a Badger?

You just look back at the tradition and the history of this program — it’s just an absolute honor and a privilege to even be here and be able to put on the sweater every day.

KIM DRAKE

How old were you when you started playing hockey?

When I first put on my skates, I was three years old, and then I started playing around five and a half.

Did your brother influence your decision to play hockey?

He’s my only other sibling in the family, and so at a young age, I just looked up to him a lot. I saw that he was playing hockey, and it really looked like fun, and I wanted to try it.

Did you grow up with any sibling rivalry?

We always were very competitive at a young age. The reason we had babysitters was because we’d always get in fights, and we’d turn everything into a competition. My mom was very afraid that we were going to kill each other.

Did your brother play a role in your decision to play at Wisconsin?

He did, because after going to high school in Minnesota, I wanted to be closer to home. It was a lot better choice for me because my family — my cousins, aunts, and uncles — could always come down and watch.

What are some of your brother’s strengths on the ice?

He sees the ice very well. He thinks two or three plays ahead, so he’s already looking to “What’s the next play going to be?” after he’s already made the pass.

What was your best moment in Wisconsin hockey so far?

It would have to be freshman year when it was my first game. We played Minnesota State-Mankato, and I ended up getting a goal.

What does it mean to be a Badger?

It’s about being part of a family and something that’s bigger than what you are. It’s not really about the name on the back of the jersey.

Published in the Winter 2014 issue