Helping Mavericks Have 8-3-1 First Half So Far
by Joe Paisley/CHN Reporter
Tanner Ludtke (l.) and brother Griffin (photo: Mark Kuhlman)
When Tanner Ludtke heard his name announced at this summer’s NHL Draft, the first person he hugged was his brother and Omaha teammate, Griffin.
That is no coincidence. The Elko, Minn., natives have a bond through their love of hockey and each other that enriches their lives.
“We’re super close,” said Griffin, a sophomore defenseman for the Mavericks. “Hockey was a great way for us to become best friends. It’s pulled us closer together over the years, especially after high school. We have the same friends, train in the summer and at school we spend all our time together.”
As the older brother. Griffin is a huge help for Tanner as he adjusts to college life and NCHC play. Griffin learns from Tanner as well, including when to be quiet and let his brother learn through experience.
“He is the lifeguard who doesn’t let you drown but still lets you dive into the deep end,” Tanner said. “I go to him for advice all the time. G is the person I look up to most in the world.”
“That’s something I had to learn over the last few months,” Griffin said. “Being such good friends makes it easier. I am here to support him and give advice when he wants it.”
The pair are currently tied for second on the team in scoring with eight points, helping the Mavericks go 8-3-1 so far in the first half of the season. Tanner is doing that as the only freshman on the roster getting regular playing time.
There have been brothers on college teams before. There are two sets in the NCHC this season with Denver defensemen Shai and Zeev Buium, and St. Cloud State forwards Veeti and Verner Miettinen.
Like them, the defenseman Griffin and the forward Tanner work to make each other better.
“One of his strengths is how smart he is. If I can understand what he is thinking, I would have an edge against 90 or 95 percent of the players I will go against,” Griffin said.
“I will go at it with guys in practice including G and it’s all fun,” Tanner said. “He also gives it right back.”
“When he scores a goal or makes an assist, it’s great,” he added. “When we both get a point on the same play you enjoy it even more. That’s why I came to Omaha.”
There was little doubt the Ludtkes would compete for the Mavericks after Griffin committed as…
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