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Twins Kevin and Kelly Klima trying to land spots on Moncton Wildcats

CBC

Twins Kevin and Kelly Klima are two games away from finding out if they've earned a place on the Moncton Wildcats hockey team.

Throughout their hockey careers, the 18-year-olds have heard a lot about the chemistry they have on the ice.

"People always say we have some sixth sense where we always know where each other are on the ice and I guess that just comes with spending time together, just knowing each other that well," said Kelly.

Wildcats Head Coach Darren Rumble won't go as far as saying the brothers have a paranormal connection, but he sees a value in how well they know each other.

"It's one of the cases where you'd be nuts to split them up," said Rumble.

"We're thrilled to have them. They have skill, they have character, all the things we look for."

This is the second time in a six years the Wildcats have welcomed a set of twins on the ice. In 2009, identical twins Alex and Allain Saulnier both made the team.

"Anytime you get these twins, they've played together all the way up, so of course they're going to have outstanding chemistry," said Rumble.

Sons of a former NHL player

The Klima twins say they come by hockey naturally. Their father Petr Klima is a former NHLer, having played for the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout the 1980s and 90s, scoring over 300 goals.

"He's taught us everything we know about the game, ever since we were three years old, so I mean, he's probably been the biggest impact on our career," said Kevin.

Having scored a combined nine points in just two preseason games, Kelly agrees they make a good team.

"Together we're kind of a threat, always attacking, just never giving the other team a break," he said.

But for all the benefits of playing hockey with a teammate he's known his entire life, according to Kevin, there is a downside.

"It just gets more annoying if someone calls you Kelly. I feel like we look completely different, but I guess not," he said.