Merrills square off in season opener

Patrick Merrill (Toronto Rock) and Brodie Merrill (Edmonton Rush)

Edmonton, AB --As if opening the much-anticipated National Lacrosse League season this weekend wasn't enough.

Beyond the excitement of kick-starting the 2011 campaign, a sibling rivalry adds fuel to an all-Canadian matchup Jan. 8 at Air Canada Centre as the Edmonton Rush faces the Toronto Rock.

For Brodie Merrill - the newly appointed Rush captain - it's an opportunity to lead his Edmonton club into the ACC against his brother Patrick and the Rock in the family version of season's greetings, err, beatings.

It's brothers at arms, rather than, in arms, this time around for the Merrills.

Usually battling side by side throughout lacrosse wars in Major Series Lacrosse, Mann Cup games and recently in international play, Brodie and Patrick meet in a rare matchup against each other this time around.

Brodie, the 29-year-old transition superstar and all-world defender brings a Rush team into Toronto, looking to continue from the success of the 2010 NLL season, while Patrick -- a 31-year-old stellar defender -- makes his return to the Rock after three seasons with the Titans in New York and Orlando.

For all at stake for both squads on opening night, it might be uncomfortable most for the Merrills, who rarely contest each other on the lacrosse carpet.

"It's a little bit awkward, actually," said Brodie. "We're really close and he's my best friend."

Outside of winter box, the brothers both play for Brampton of MSL, the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse and the duo were also part of the silver-winning Canadian squad at this past summer's field World Championships in England.

While Brodie posted career-best offensive numbers last season in Edmonton, en route to his second consecutive award as the league's Top Transition Player, Patrick, in his ninth-NLL campaign, made Toronto his off-season destination and rejoined the same organization he spent the first five years of his NLL career with.

"I really want to see him do well back in Toronto, so, it's going to be strange," Brodie said of the brotherly matchup. "We're both competitors and we both want to win, so, we'll both have to focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by that.

"And in the same breath, it's going to be pretty fun, especially in my home town.

"My family will be there, although, I'm not sure my Mom will be able to watch the game, but, it will be a fun experience," added the six-foot-four, 205-pounder.

With the rarity of the matchup, lacrosse fans from Orangeville, Ont., and across North America, minus the Merrill family, will take sides for the game.

"She doesn't pick sides," Brodie said of Mom Merrill. "She's just hoping both sons do well and it's a close game. She's pretty emotional, actually. She's right into the games.

"She never misses my brothers or my games, so I'm sure it will be an emotional night for both my Mom and Dad," added Brodie, now in his sixth NLL season and second with the Rush.

"It will be interesting," said Rush head coach and general manager Derek Keenan, who's coached Brodie in both Edmonton and Portland. "I think they've played each other one other time, when we were in Portland and he was in New York."

Keenan's got game as the last time the Merrills played against each other was three seasons ago when New York faced Portland Jan. 12 and Patrick's Titans topped Brodie's LumberJax 14-11. Neither player recorded any points, yet, Brodie collected 14 loose balls and Patrick racked up 16 penalty minutes.

"I'm sure they have mixed emotions about it," Keenan said of Saturday's matchup. "I think they're pretty close brothers and close friends and at the same time, they're obviously two huge competitors, so they're both going to do whatever it takes to get a win, I'm sure."

And although the brotherly rivalry is not a regular fixture on the NLL calendar, the league can only continue to benefit showcasing the tremendous players in marquee matchups, starting this weekend.

"I think it's great for the game, actually," said Keenan. "My preference would be to have them both on my team. And I think it's great that there's a bit of a rivalry there and it promises to be a real good game, as well."

Make sure Mom Merrill gets the final score.

By Bruce Rakoczy