Hockey | 2/26/2026 8:46:00 AM

CROOKSTON, Minn. - For most college athletes, hockey is about finding your spot—on a roster, in a locker room, within a structure. For Brandon and Dalston Kelly, it's also about finding each other.

For the Kelly brothers, hockey was more than just a sport. It's been persistent—across countries, across states, and now, across a college locker room they finally part.

Born in Ukraine, the brothers moved to Charleston, South Carolina at a young age—Brandon at four years old and Dalston at just two and a half. In due time, their family made its way north, settling first in Grand Forks before planting their seed in Minto, North Dakota. However, their hockey story didn't start in the traditional Midwest way. It began on roller skates in the south.

Their establishment to the game came through family. Both brothers watched their sister figure skate, constantly moving up levels, and then their father, with no background of playing hockey himself—who grew up in Philadelphia as a devoted Flyers fan—implanted a love for hockey. "I remember just kind of playing and then begging our dad to let us try," Brandon said. "No one in our family played, but we just wanted to." Dalston sees it much the same way. "Our dad was a hockey fan, and our sister skated. I think he said something about it, and we just wanted to try it."

From those early days, Brandon and Dalston built different styles in the sport. Brandon grew up playing on the defensive end and still anchors the blue line, though he has the ability to step in at forward when needed. Dalston plays forward but has filled in defensively during his college career when called upon. Competing against each other has never been an issue. If anything, it's made them better. "We know we won't take it easy on each other," Brandon said. "In games, we just hope the other does their best." "Sometimes he's stronger," Dalston added with a laugh, "but it's nice because you can let loose. After practice, it's done. We move on."

What makes their current situation special is it's never heard of. Outside of high school and a handful of junior hockey games, they've never truly been teammates—until now. "It's been a lot of fun," Brandon said. "We didn't really play together much growing up. It's pretty special being able to look across the locker room and see your brother. You always have someone to lean on."

"When he left for junior hockey, our bond actually grew because we were farther apart," Dalston said. "Now that he's back, it's easier knowing there's that one person you fully trust."

That trust shows up in the specifics--battle drills in practice where coaches let their reps run longer because neither is willing to quit, or in games when they catch each other's eye after a big shift. "You win a game and look over and see your brother on the defensive side," Dalston said. "That's pretty special." "It's always nice hearing others say 'good job' to my brother," Brandon added.

Brandon transferred in after spending time at the University of Mary. The decision wasn't simple, but it felt right. "It was tough leaving because I had close friends and job connections there," he said. "But I knew a lot of the guys here, and having my brother made the transition easier. I was sick of moving around and thought it would be cool to be home for once. This felt like the landing spot." For Dalston, the decision was surrounded by opportunity and familiarity. "Talking with the coach, being close to home, having my major here—it made sense. And I wanted to be on a winning team."

Off the ice, their goals are clear. Brandon, an exercise science major, hopes to get into coaching and build connections for his future. Dalston, majoring in sports and recreation with a minor in sports communications, wants to explore media opportunities and potentially pursue a master's degree.

Both understand that succeeding at this level takes more than talent. It takes mental discipline.

"As the year goes on, you realize what it actually takes to win," Brandon said. "There are shifts where you don't want to go get the puck—but you have to. I journal before games, write what I want to focus on, tape my stick, use self-talk to stay anchored. You have to be mentally dialed in."

Dalston's routine mirrors that steadiness—arriving at the rink two hours early, warming up, taping his stick, stretching on his own, and settling in with country music before puck drop. "Our coaches play everyone, so you have to be ready," Dalston said. "You go in expecting to play 20 shifts."

Along the way, there have been mental challenges. Brandon shared how last season tested him when he was presented limited playing time despite sustainable offseason preparation. "I had to step back and realize life isn't all about hockey," he said. "Coming here helped. Even when I sprained my ankle and was out for a bit, it helped me recharge mentally."

Dalston believes stepping away is sometimes necessary and important for mental health. "Everyone has mental struggles in sports. The days off are important. You take time away when you need it."

When they're not at the rink, they're typical college students. Brandon enjoys fishing, watching TV, cleaning his room, and spending time with friends. Dalston stays active in curling and volleyball leagues and has been playing Fortnite since freshman year—"not very good," he jokes, "just the vibes with the boys."

Their meals are simple. Brandon leans toward pesto tortellini or three-cheese kale pasta. Dalston sticks to whatever's in the freezer, making sure he eats enough and grabbing a protein bar when necessary.

Through it all, one message remains consistent: no regrets. "Stay in the moment," Brandon said. "Push yourself so you don't look back and wonder if you gave your all."

Dalston learned that lesson after his final high school game. "I realized I didn't give everything I had. College is flying by. Get off your phone and enjoy the moments with your teammates."

For the Kelly brothers, hockey has been a journey across continents and through different stages of life. Now, it's something they share at the highest level they've both reached.

And this time, they're making sure they soak it all in—together.