By Noel Arnason
Most teammates on the Holland Hurricanes women’s hockey team get ready individually for games.
But for Abbey and Cassie Gordon, it’s different.
Sometimes it’s getting ready together before heading to the rink, or it's having a dance off against each other in the dressing room.
“We were in Cape Breton and Cassie and I were having a dance battle before the game. It was really high energy and we were having lots of fun and she smacked her head off the shelf and she still has a scar,” said Abbey. “It was like dripping blood. I know that sounds like a bad memory. But it was just so funny because like she didn't get upset or anything. It was so funny.”
Moments like that have become part of the experience for the sisters, who have spent the past two seasons playing together with the Holland Hurricanes, something neither had expected growing up.
“We’ve only started playing together with Holland,” Abbey said. “It’s just a lot of fun to have your sister, best friend, someone you can always count on, there with you all the time.”
The pair grew up playing hockey but rarely shared the ice. With a three-year age gap between them, they typically played on different teams and in different age groups.
“I actually never thought we would play together at all,” Abbey said. “I was always older for my school year because I have a weird birthday, so I just never thought we’d get that opportunity.”
Cassie said they occasionally crossed paths with each other’s teammates growing up, but playing together never seemed likely.
“There’s a three-year age gap, so we never really played together,” she said. “I played with some of her friends and she played with some of mine, but we never actually got to play on the same team.”
Their parents put them into hockey at a young age, Abbey started when she was four and Cassie when she was three.
At one point, Cassie almost quit hockey altogether due to not liking having to play with boys.
“There was one year that Cassie really didn't like hockey because she was playing with the boys, like she just couldn't really connect with anyone on the team. And then we actually played ringette together that year, too, because she wanted to keep on the ice, keep skating,” said Abbey.
Cassie returned to hockey the next season and they went their separate ways. Now on the Hurricanes, they play different styles.
“I think we have different skills,” Abbey said. “Our strengths kind of balance each other.”
Cassie is often the goal scorer, while Abbey focuses on creating opportunities and supporting the play.
“Cassie definitely gets more recognition for scoring goals,” Abbey said. “But I’m always so happy for her accomplishments.”
Cassie agrees the two bring different elements to their line.
“She works really hard to get the puck and creates a lot of opportunities. I don’t think Abbey gives herself enough credit.”
When things get difficult in a game, it affects them both.
“There was a game where she got hurt and was sitting on the bench upset,” Abbey said. “And that actually hurts me. Obviously you care about all your teammates, but when it’s your sister, it feels different.”
They both feel they have each other's back on the ice.
“I know that if someone ever came at me on the ice or something, she's got my back all the time. If some things go wrong, that's having each other's help for that” said Abbey.
Cassie said she’ll jump in to help without thinking.
“Sometimes if there's a bicker with a teammate or something, I’ll jump in and stand up for her.”
Their teammates have noticed how close the two are as well. One of their coaches, Connor Hennessey, often jokes that Abbey and Cassie come as a “package deal.”
“Connor said many times you guys must have signed something saying we have to be in the same room together and everything,” Cassie said.
The sisters even share the same nickname among teammates.
“We call each other ‘sis,’” Abbey said. “Now everyone on the team just calls us that.”
“They don't even care who answers. You're talking to both, you're not talking to one of us,” said Cassie.
Off the ice, the sisters spend just as much time together.
Growing up, they often hung out with separate groups of friends. Now, they prefer each other’s company.
“I feel like now we pick each other as our friend,” Abbey said.
Their parents have also enjoyed watching the sisters share the ice and only having to travel to one rink.
“Growing up, there would be times where we had games at different rinks,” Cassie said. “One parent would go to one game and the other would go to the other.”
As they reflect on the memories from their past two years playing together, one memory stands out for Abbey.
“Something that was a really good hockey memory for me was whenever we were in Quebec, we had a free night. Cassie and I went to Old Quebec and just wandered around. We had supper together. I think that was a really good experience.”
Cassie said having someone who can match her energy in the locker room is something she will miss.
“I just feel like we always match each other's energy in the dressing room. I think that's definitely one of my favourite things about the past two years being on this team is always having someone there to be dancing with and like singing with and just having fun. I think that's something that I'll definitely miss going forward. Because it will be different.”
When asked to describe each other as teammates, both sisters didn’t hesitate.
“Cassie is a really reliable teammate,” Abbey said. “You can count on her for everything.”
Cassie returned the compliment.
“Abbey is very encouraging and uplifting,” she said. “If the vibes are low, she’s always the one bringing them back up.”
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