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They've played together for years, but this season may be the most fun Lexi and Kali Remillard have had yet, as the twin-sensations were key parts to the Eastman Selects U18 AAA hockey team capturing the league title.
The two stars didn't start wreaking havoc in hockey, they actually got their start in ringette, according to Lexi. "It was a long time ago, but we started by playing ringette. One day, my dad suggested that we try something different. He just put us in hockey in St. Malo and we fell in love with it. We've been playing ever since."
Kali says it wasn't the smoothest of transitions. "Hockey was harder than ringette, for sure," she says with a laugh. "When we started hockey, we were not very good. It was a rough thing, but after those first couple of years we got used to it and we got better and better from there. We struggled with puck handling, anything to do with the puck was so different."
To say that they figured it out since that time would be an understatement. This season, Lexi put up a power play goal along with 7 points from the backend while Kali notched 25 assists and 30 points as a forward.
Over the years, it's always worked out that the twins have loved doing the same things, which Lexi says makes the time they spend together even more special. "We've always liked the same things, we've always done everything together. Just having her in hockey with me is so much better. We have this competition, this person pushing you and when you get in times where you don't know what to do, there's always someone there for you. It helps that we like the same things, so we usually agree on things or give each other the right advice."
There were no guarantees that one, let alone both Remillard's would make the AAA team, but Lexi couldn't have been happier when they did. "It meant a lot. We were both so happy we both made it, it was something we always wanted to do."
This season was a magical one for the entire Selects team and Kali says throughout the season, the whole group became family. "This year, it was a good year," she says with a smile and very positive attitude. "We had lots of good teammates, we were all friends with each other, we didn't have groups or cliques, we were all one big family. It helped so much when we got onto the ice because we wanted to be there for each other and work well with each other."
A major highlight was watching their teammate score in double overtime of game five to be crowned champions of the league and Lexi says it's something they'll never forget. "It's just, you finally realize that after all the work you put in, you finally succeeded. It's the happiest moment ever. All the hard work you've put in, the dedication, just everything from the year came to that point, we pushed hard enough and won it. Everyone was so happy and we all felt like we deserved it."
Celebrating with teammates was also a special moment for Kali, who says many on the team have gotten close but this group finally got the job done. "It was special," she says proudly. "At the beginning of the year, we didn't think much of it. It was just another season but as the year went along, we realized we had a chance to win it all. We kept pushing, kept pushing and when we got that moment, it was almost like it wasn't real. It's like 'wait, we actually just won!' It was super special and so much fun."
The Selects are in Saskatchewan now for the Western Regionals and Lexi says they have more things they want to accomplish as a group. "Oh yeah, we're not done," she says confidently. "We're so excited to keep going. We want to keep pushing and hope for the best. If we play our game, I think we'll be fine."
Kali says she and Lexi are hoping to keep going in the game of hockey. "We'd love to keep going for a few more years, that's the hope. Maybe going to school, keep playing and just keep having time around the sport, that would be great."
When it comes to a future together or apart, if the twins have it their way, they'd stay together, though Lexi says it would be a little interesting to be at different programs at some point. "I think it would be cool to be opponents," she says with a sly smile to Kali who's right beside her. "Honestly, I'd rather stay with her, keep her as a teammate, it's just so much fun."
With Kali being a forward and Lexi being a defender, the question was asked if there was a one-on-one situation, who would get the better of it?
"I think me, Lexi" she says right away with a laugh. There was no response from Kali.
Thankfully for the Remillard's and the Selects, they won't be battling each other, they'll be together going up against anyone or anything that comes their way.