Hockey dreams continue to come true for the Cusmano brothers.
In 2016-2017, Evan and Dylan Cusmano had the thrill of suiting up together as teammates at the Junior A level for the Virden Oil Capitals.
This past winter the brothers, who hail from Abbotsford, B.C., helped Trinity Western University claim its second straight British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League championship. Dylan helped the Langley school win its first title in 2017-2018.
“To repeat as BCIHL champions was amazing,” he said. “I think we really clicked as a team this year and it was nice to see some payoff.
“It was really special to win with my brother on the team this year. Growing up, we won a few tournaments in minor hockey, but we always wanted to win a championship after juniors and this year it happened.”
Last season an injury kept Dylan out of action in the playoffs. This time around he was able to contribute on ice to the team’s success.
“It was nice to be healthy in the playoffs this year,” Dylan said. “Last year was tough to watch and not be able to battle with your teammates. I am grateful that this year was different knowing I made an impact in the games.”
In 20 regular season games with the Spartan, the forward had two goals and five points. TWU head coach Barret Kropf said Dylan is a great leader who “knows his job and does it with excellence. Great student (business administration major) as well and has a humility that makes him a fan favorite and amazing teammate!”
Last season Evan played in the Junior B ranks in Aldergrove. He battled this past winter to crack the Spartans lineup on a strong team and saw action in two games. Kropf praised Evan as a “hardworking young man.”
Evan was pleased to be reunited with his brother.
“I loved the idea of playing with my brother again. As a kid, I always tried to win against my brother,” said the kinesiology major. “Although given the opportunity to win together seems to me, being a young adult, to be more appealing now.
“It is also a great feeling to know that there is always a piece of home with me while playing and going to school. Although we still live at home, we spend hours and hours at the school and rink. Seeing as though this my first year at school since graduating high school in 2015, it was a bit intimidating but having my brother there, who has already completed a year of school, it was nice to get a few pointers.”
Dylan played two seasons in Virden, 2015-2017. In the second campaign, he was joined by Evan, a defenceman, who started that season in Weyburn.
The brothers enjoyed their time with the Oil Caps.
“For starters, I had an amazing billet family with Kelly and Ryan Potter and the family there was extremely accepting and kind,” Evan said.
“I made some good friends with some of the players and their billet families too. The fan base was consistent and full of energy. Overall the fan base was fun to play in front of and made my time there extremely fun.”
