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ECM really has a 'Band of Brothers'

By Michael Trzinski, WiPH Staff, 03/03/15, 1:15PM CST

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Old Abes have seven sets of siblings plus a cousin

Band of Brothers was a television miniseries based on 'Easy' Company, assigned to the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division in World War II. Although there were no actual brothers, they bonded and became as close as siblings.

This year's Eau Claire Memorial team has a 'Band of Brothers.'

At last count--and hopefully I have this correct--there are seven sets of siblings (and one cousin) participating for either the Old Abes varsity or JV squads this season.

Junior Andrew Emberson and freshman Ty Emberson are key defensemen for Coach Mike Schwengler. And as an added extra bonus, freshman forward Ben Zacho can call the Embersons 'cousin.'

There are some pretty good genetics in the Zacho clan, as grandfather Dennis Zacho was a hockey and baseball star for the University of Minnesota in the mid-1960s.

Speaking of genetics, former juniors 50-goal scorer Schwengler has two sons that are key contributors for ECM.

Senior Bret is one of the top defenseman in the state and sophomore forward Dawson gets lots of ice time for the Old Abes.

Moving to Eau Claire from Sun Prairie were junior forward Jacob Hudecek and freshman goalie Trevor Hudecek. Jacob sees regular shifts at forward and Trevor splits time in net with Connor Urdahl.

Not to be confused with the Star Wars character Chewbacca, Kadin 'Chewy' Machusak is a senior forward for the Abes. His younger bro Anikan is a freshman JV goalie.

Yet another goalie is involved in the sibling thing.

Freshman Nick Schultz has seen some varsity action but spends most his time on JV, while sophomore defenseman Chad has dressed for both teams this year.

Freshman forward Josh Berg scored nine goals for this year's TW U-14 team and has added three tallies for the Old Abes thus far. There is an older brother, Tom, a junior who is working as a team manager this year, sitting out due to transfer. He will suit up next year as a senior.

And to round out the brotherly love, there are THREE Waits brothers--junior forward Joe, junior defenseman Josh (twins), and sophomore forward Jake.

Whew.

They probably squabble like all brothers, but in the end, they are all playing for the same team. And that team is in the hunt for a state title this season.

Good luck to the Old Abes, and all teams in this year's state tournament.