Canucks’ Rathbone finds inspiration close to home

In his latest article for The Province newspaper, Vancouver Canucks reporter Ben Kuzma shares the heartwarming story of Canucks 2017 fourth round draft pick Jack Rathbone and the relationship that he shares with his eight year-old brother Teddy.

Teddy, diagnosed with autism at a young age, and older brother Jack are inseparable. Despite the ten year gap in age the two are best friends and lean on each other to help them get through life’s difficulties.

“He’s a major piece of my life and means the world to me,” said Rathbone when describing his relationship with Jack. “He gives you a new perspective on how hockey and being an athlete and chasing a dream to be in the NHL is such a privilege. You can’t take any day for granted and you have to push yourself.”

The bond between the two brothers is so strong that Rathbone elected to stay at home for the 2017-18 season and finish his high school hockey career before moving on to Harvard for the 2018-19 season. He had an offer to further his career with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, but that would require a big move and take him too far away from Teddy at such a pivotal time in the boy’s life. It was a move that Jack just couldn’t make, for his sake and for Teddy’s sake.

No matter where his career takes him, from high school to the NCAA to perhaps one day the NHL, Jack Rathbone will always have his brother Teddy with him. Teddy is one of the driving factors behind Jack’s motivation,“He’s one of the reasons I push myself every day.”

For the full article from Kuzma, check out the link below: