Schmaltz brothers meet in first regular-season game

Posted October 13, 2018 1:00 am

John Dietz

One night before Nick and Jordan Schmaltz went head-to-head for the first time in the NHL, the brothers enjoyed a dinner together at Bandera on Michigan Ave.

They sat at the bar - where not a soul recognized either of them - and watched Game 1 of the NLCS between their beloved Brewers and the Dodgers.

So when the bill came, did Nick treat his visiting brother by picking up the tab?

Not a chance.

"He's kind of cheap," said a chuckling Jordan before his St. Louis Blues played the Blackhawks at the United Center. "No, it was good. We split the meal. I love seeing him. I love spending time with him. Any chance we get it's always the best."

The 25-year-old Jordan, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenseman, played 113 games for the Chicago Wolves from 2015-17 and 31 last year for the San Antonio Rampage after the Wolves switched NHL affiliations to Vegas. Saturday was his 23rd game with the Blues.

The 22-year-old Nick, of course, came into his own last season by scoring 21 goals in 78 games for the Blackhawks.

The brothers' other professional clashes either came in preseason or in the AHL when Nick was assigned to Rockford for a short stint in 2016-17.

That's what made Saturday so special for the entire Schmaltz family. Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and others were in attendance watching a dream come true.

"This is why you sign up playing the game in the first place (is to) reach the highest level," Jordan said. "And to play against your brother it makes it that much more special."

Back in the day, the Schmaltzes honed their skills in what Nick called "a little roller rink" in their Wisconsin basement. Their sister usually took part in these games, many of which included an upper- or lower-body injury or two.

"Someone would usually come up crying or (get a) high-stick or puck to the face or something like that," Nick said. "A lot of good memories. Looking back at it, it was awesome to have that and work on each other's game and push each other to get better."

And Jordan being three years older, you can bet he got in a good shot now and again.

"Probably got to beat up on Nick a little bit and help him out, and maybe he's a little bit tougher because of that," he said. "But, no, it's good man. It's fun and I just can't wait for tonight."

St. Louis Blues defenseman Jordan Schmaltz, brother of Blackhawks defenseman Nick Schmaltz, was excited to play against his brother in an NHL game. "This is why you sign up playing the game in the first place (is to) reach the highest level," Jordan said. "And to play against your brother it makes it that much more special." Associated Press File Photo/March 2017

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