Compher Sibling Rivalry Breeds Skill and Mutual Respect

He’s a forward for the Colorado Avalanche. She’s a forward for Boston University. Together, they share a strong passion for hockey and deep respect for one another.

J.T. Compher has no shortage of praise when it comes to his sister’s hockey skills. The highest compliment? He doesn’t have to play against Jesse.

That said, J.T., now in his third full NHL season, is grateful the days of their one-on-one games at the family home in Illinois are a thing of the past.

“Jesse was young enough where I didn’t stick her in the net too many times,” started the 24-year-old, a 35th overall draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, whose rights were traded to Colorado in 2015. “She got serious about hockey when I was at the (U.S.) national program [2011-2013] and at the University of Michigan [2013-16]. When I watch her, I don’t know if I could name just one thing about her game that stands out the most… that’s a good thing. First off, she’s a very competitive player and person. Every time I watch her play, whether she has legs or doesn’t have legs, I know she’s working and she’s competing.