Davis brothers enjoying their time
together playing for RedHawks
By Zachary Dzurick
Sports
Published Jan. 19, 2005

Rocky River resident Alan Davis was a football player at Michigan State where his wife, Pamela, was a gymnast. It is no surprise that their sons Matt and Nathan are athletes, but it might be that their chosen sport is hockey.

"Matt just got into hockey and I followed," said Nathan. "Matt had some early success and we all caught the hockey bug. Our 10-year-old sister even plays some now."

The brothers are currently teammates for the Miami University hockey team. The 22-year-old Matt is a junior defenseman for the RedHawks. 18-year-old Nate is a freshman forward. It is the first time the two have teammates.

"It is awesome to play together," Matt said. "I could not have dreamed it to happen."

"I was always on the younger team behind him," Nate said. "Playing together on the same team was something I have always looked forward to."

While Matt played for the RedHawks last season, Nate was attending high school in Ann Arbor, Mich., so he could play for the United States Developmental program's under-18 team. The team, made up of the best hockey players in the country, trains together and plays exhibitions against college teams and national teams from across the world. Nate said it was always a dream to represent his country.

"I never thought it would happen until they sent me a letter," Ante said. "The coaching and training is incredible. I have traveled to Europe eight or nine times. I played against guys who are now being drafted. All around it was a special experience. There is a special pride to wear that jersey and represent your country."

Nate just missed making the World Junior under-20 team.

"That tournament is a big deal in international hockey," Nate said. "I just missed out. I believe I have a good chance to make the team next year."

The start of the season was rough on the entire team, but especially the two brothers. The team was decimated by injuries, including one to Matt's foot. Nate had to adjust to playing at a different level.

"It has been tough," Matt admitted. "It took some time for me to get back, but I am healthy now."

"There has been a transition for me," Nate said. "Last year we played a lot of college teams and went in expecting to lose. Now we go out and expect to win every game. Everyone plays hard all the time. I had to adjust."

Recently, the adjustment took place. In his first 14 games, Nate scored just two goals. Then in a five game stretch he scored six goals, including short handed and power play goals against Colorado College, the second-ranked team in the country at the time.

"I am not surprised at all," Matt said. "He has a ton of talent. I was waiting for him to break out. I knew he would."

The brothers believe that the close 4-3 loss to Colorado College and a recent 4-1 win over Michigan State are signs that when healthy, Miami can play with anyone.

"Injuries decimated us," Nate said. "We were playing six or seven guys short. When healthy, we are good as anyone in the nation. For the rest of the year, the sky is the limit."

Matt recently has been asked by the coaching staff to play in new roles. He has spent some time upfront.

"I will do anything I can to help the team win," Matt said. "I will play wherever I am needed most."

Nate is studying business while Matt is majoring in zoology and pre-med. Matt said he would like to be an orthopedic surgeon like his father or a plastic surgeon.

"I admire my father," Matt said. "I also have in interest in plastic surgery, but I would like to play for a few years first before attempting medical school."

Matt said he loves the campus and atmosphere in Oxford.

"It is a gorgeous place with strong academics," Matt said. "I love it here."

The coaching staff is pleased that the brothers chose Miami as well.

"Both Matt and Nate embody all it means to be a student athlete," said assistant coach Chris Bergeron. "Thier professional approach to both academics and athletics says a lot about them as indivduals. We are extremely proud to have them in Oxford and as a part of our program."

Bay coach Terry Chadwick is not surprised at their success.

"I coached Nathan Davis in Mite AA," Chadwick said. "Even at 8 years old, Nathan was a very mature player and one of the most unselfish players I have seen at that age."

Chadwick also mentioned that hockey players don't go straight from high school to college. Most like Matt, who played for the Omaha Lancers, play elsewhere for a year or two to prepare to that level. He said that Nate is having success as a freshman is a testament to his talent.

"College freshman hockey players are 20 years old," Chadwick said. "You don't see kids go straight from high school to playing college hockey right away."