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Brothers Mathieu, Pierre-Olivier Joseph couldn’t pass up ‘dream’ to play together with Blues

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From Bob, Barclay and Invoice Plager to Brian, Wealthy and Ron Sutter, the St. Louis Blues aren’t any strangers to having brothers on their roster.

In July, they added one other household tree to their franchise historical past, making a commerce with the Ottawa Senators for ahead Mathieu Joseph, 27, after which signing free-agent defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, 25, his brother.

As with all siblings, they’ve nice reverence for each other, however there’s additionally the anticipated rivalry.

Loads of examples of each popped up when the Joseph brothers sat down with The Athletic for an hour-long Zoom name just lately.

You’ll study much more about them, together with which numbers they’ll be carrying this season and why. And also you’ll additionally choose up on the very fact they’ll hardly include their pleasure about this chance.

So sit again and revel in our chat with the most recent Blues brothers!

Observe: The dialog has been edited calmly for size and readability.

Jeremy: It’s very nice to satisfy you guys! Thanks for doing this! So the place are you? What metropolis? Whose home?

Mathieu: We’re in Brossard (Quebec, Canada). We’ve lived collectively in the summertime for about three years now, and we’ve loved it.

Pierre-Olivier: Previously, we’d solely see one another for 3 months the entire 12 months in the summertime, so we have been like, “We’d as properly keep collectively.” However now, I really feel like we’re going to get our personal locations if we’re going to see one another on a regular basis, haha!

Jeremy: I used to be going to ask about that. What are your residing preparations going to be like in St. Louis?

Pierre-Olivier: We’re going to stay collectively. We’ve talked to some guys about renting their home. I performed with Chad Ruhwedel in Pittsburgh and his spouse is from St. Louis, so that they have a home there, however Kasperi Kapanen resides there now. So no luck up to now, however we’ll hold wanting.

Jeremy: What have you ever heard about St. Louis?

Mathieu: I performed with Brady Tkachuk in Ottawa and we truly went to his place in St. Louis for dinner final 12 months, so I received to see somewhat little bit of the world. Brady loves going again when he can, and truthfully, each man we’ve been speaking to with the Blues loves enjoying there. I keep in mind my first sport in St. Louis. I used to be impressed with the music the group sings within the third interval …

Jeremy: Nation Roads?

Mathieu: Yeah, that’s it! I assumed that was fairly cool the primary time I noticed it. I can inform the followers love their staff, love the group and love town, so I’m positively excited to be a part of the neighborhood.

Jeremy: OK, Pierre … ought to I name you Pierre?

Mathieu: By no means! Haha! It’s simply P.O.

Pierre-Olivier: Really, I received to the purpose the place I don’t even care anymore.

Jeremy: Properly P.O., inform me one thing good about residing together with your brother and one thing annoying.

Pierre-Olivier: The place do I begin on the final one? No, it’s been good. He’s somebody that I’ve been wanting as much as for therefore lengthy. We work out collectively, we’re on the ice collectively, we’re on the golf course collectively. Every thing we do is just about collectively. So it’s probably not residing with my brother, it’s residing with my greatest buddy. He is aware of me by coronary heart. He is aware of when to provide me some motivation, and he is aware of when to provide me some area.

Mathieu: I do get annoying, although. I speak an excessive amount of, so typically I’ll say one thing and he doesn’t need to speak. I’ll simply give him a face like “I get it.” However no, it’s been really easy. We don’t get on one another’s nerves fairly often and we share duty very properly in the home. He’s a terrific cook dinner!

Jeremy: P.O., what do you cook dinner?

Pierre-Olivier: Something and every part. Truthfully, it simply is dependent upon what we’ve got within the fridge. My crepes are one thing that I often cook dinner for us on Sunday. I do barbecue. Really, Matt’s been fairly good this summer season serving to out on the barbecue aspect of the sport.

Mathieu: I’ve been studying barbecue this 12 months …

Pierre-Olivier: It’s good to not be the one one cooking.

Jeremy: So rising up, did you guys ever play on the identical staff, and did you ever dream about enjoying on the identical NHL staff someday?

Pierre-Olivier: Again then, enjoying on the identical staff at any degree wasn’t potential due to our ages. So yearly, it was simply attempting to get to the subsequent degree.

Mathieu: I keep in mind being mad one 12 months in junior hockey. I used to be enjoying with the Saint John Sea Canine within the Quebec Main Junior Hockey League. That was P.O.’s junior hockey draft 12 months, and he was projected to go within the second or third spherical. He wasn’t taken within the second spherical, so when the third spherical rolled round, I’m like, “Saint John goes to choose him up and we’re going to play collectively.” However Saint John picked another person, after which within the fifth spherical, he received picked by Charlottetown. I used to be tremendous pleased for him, however I keep in mind being dissatisfied that Saint John didn’t draft him. That was the primary time the place I assumed possibly we had an opportunity to play with each other. However then once we each received drafted within the NHL, we have been like, “Wow, that will be cool if we may discover a place that we may play collectively.”

Pierre-Olivier: We have been even excited about the potential for it occurring on the finish of our careers in Europe, once we’re 37, 38 years outdated, haha!

Jeremy: So Mathieu received drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning within the fourth spherical of the 2015 NHL Draft, after which gained a Stanley Cup in 2021. P.O., what was it like watching that?

Pierre-Olivier: Yeah, it was somewhat little bit of a s— present due to COVID. We have been quarantining in Montreal and the subsequent factor you already know Mathieu goes into the Stanley Cup Closing towards Montreal. Tampa was up three video games to at least one and headed again dwelling for Recreation 5, and our dad and mom couldn’t go due to work. They requested me if I wished to go and I mentioned, “Yeah!” However I keep in mind there was a tropical storm in Tampa and flights have been getting canceled. The one one accessible was from Montreal to L.A., then L.A. to Orlando (Fla.), after which drive 2 ½ hours to Tampa. I left at 6:30 p.m. and I received to Matt’s place at 10 a.m. the subsequent day. I slept all day lengthy, however then I had the prospect to see him win the Cup. I had the chills, and that was a life reminiscence that’s by no means going away. However on the identical time, I used to be mad at him that he gained it proper in my face.

Mathieu: Hopefully we win it collectively someday!

Jeremy: So Mathieu, P.O. received drafted by the Arizona Coyotes within the first spherical of the 2017 NHL Draft after which traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 within the Phil Kessel deal. How a lot have you ever been pulling for him?

Mathieu: I used to be in all probability extra pleased that he received drafted than after I received drafted. When he received to the NHL, I used to be attempting to assist him out with some issues. With me being a ahead and him being a defenseman, it was simple to speak about our sport as a result of what a ahead sees and what a defenseman sees are completely different views.

Pierre-Olivier: We received the NHL app a couple of years in the past and we watch one another’s video games once we can. However typically with the app, the state you’re in doesn’t permit you to watch his sport …

Mathieu: Or we’d be enjoying on the identical time. I assume it’ll be simpler to look at his video games this 12 months, ha! However no, it’s been enjoyable to comply with one another’s careers. I’ve had some ups and downs that he’s helped me with, and I’ve helped him, too.

Jeremy: What’s one thing particular that you simply helped one another with throughout your profession?

Mathieu: For me, the toughest a part of the NHL is that it’s such a routine. It’s the identical day each day. So if it’s not going properly, it’s the identical day that’s not going properly. We each are guys that don’t actually take life too severely. We’re right here to have enjoyable, however typically I get away from that. I’ve had some downs that I felt like I couldn’t get out of and P.O. all the time has the appropriate phrases. I all the time say he’s a extremely good therapist as a result of all our associates ask him for recommendation as a result of he’s such a superb listener.

Pierre-Olivier: For me, typically I’m too careless in what I do, and he is aware of what I’m succesful (of). He’s all the time there to remind me and push me. It is perhaps lifting somewhat bit two kilos heavier within the fitness center that pushes me to be a extra aggressive individual. That’s one thing I’ve realized quite a bit from him.

Mathieu: I’ve received to say, too, he’s a really beneficiant man and thinks about lots of people earlier than him. On this league, you need to be a superb teammate and really feel such as you’re household. However selfishly, you additionally must assume somewhat bit about your self — how I carry out and the way I must be higher. Typically P.O. forgets about that half, being too unselfish. I inform him, “You’ve received to shoot the puck.” Like I mentioned, you don’t need to trouble different teammates.

Pierre-Olivier: However on the identical time, it bothers folks that I’m not being extra egocentric.

Mathieu: Precisely! So typically I’ve to remind him, “I do know you’re a superb man, however you’ve received to consider how you need to play properly.” That’s going to construct confidence and assist every part else.

Jeremy: So the place and when was the primary NHL sport that you simply performed towards one another?

Mathieu: It was in Pittsburgh final 12 months.

Pierre-Olivier: As soon as the sport began, it was Pittsburgh towards Ottawa and never us towards one another. However I may continuously hear him speaking and speaking …

Mathieu: He didn’t reply me as soon as …

Pierre-Olivier: As a result of I understand how he’s. He’s simply attempting to get into my head. Taking part in tennis again once we have been 12 years outdated, it was the identical factor — simply yapping.

Jeremy: Inform me in regards to the high-sticking penalty in that sport. P.O., you hit Mathieu together with your stick, however you additionally received your self, and also you each went to the penalty field. What occurred?

Pierre-Olivier: I noticed him coming, however after I tried to get out of the best way, I hit him within the face after which hit myself. We rotated and the referee noticed each of us with our palms in our face. I used to be bleeding, however I didn’t need the ref to see that as a result of then they might have reviewed it and they’d have taken away the penalty on Mathieu. Once I went into the penalty field, my towel was fully filled with blood, however I needed to conceal it. He was somewhat mad.

Mathieu: It was so humorous!

Jeremy: The response of your dad and mom (Frantzi and France Joseph), who have been on the sport, was priceless. What did you assume while you noticed the video?

Pierre-Olivier: It was humorous. The digital camera was completely on them on the proper second and it confirmed their character. They comprehend it’s a part of the sport, so so long as we’re not dropping the gloves, they know the way aggressive we’re.

Jeremy: What’s it been like in your dad and mom to look at you undergo this journey collectively?

Mathieu: It’s been fairly cool. They get requested on a regular basis, “Do you know your two youngsters have been going to play within the NHL?” No, they only wished us to work as arduous as we may.

Pierre-Olivier: I keep in mind they sat us down one time and mentioned, “In the event you guys are going to play at a aggressive degree, we’re prepared that can assist you, however are you able to do it for yourselves?”

Mathieu: They mentioned, “We’re not going to push you guys to do it. However in case you’re giving us 50 %, then we’re not going to do this. We’re not going to spend that a lot cash on it. You’re losing time, and we wish so that you can do one thing else.” I keep in mind my mother asking P.O. when he received drafted to the NHL, “Do you continue to like hockey?” I’m like, “He simply received drafted twenty third general!”

Pierre-Olivier: I’m like, “Yeah, I’m fairly positive I prefer it.”

Jeremy: So Mathieu, you have been traded to the Blues on July 2, after which P.O. signed with the staff on July 3. How did all of this go down behind the scenes?

Pierre-Olivier: I began speaking to completely different groups on July 1 and St. Louis was certainly one of them. Then on July 2, we have been sitting on the sofa watching tennis on TV and Matt received a textual content from Ottawa telling him to name them.

Mathieu: I knew I used to be getting traded manner earlier than then, although.

Pierre-Olivier: However he didn’t comprehend it was going to be St. Louis. So he’s received the cellphone on speaker and so they inform him it’s the Blues. Properly, he knew I used to be speaking to St. Louis, too, so he gave me somewhat wink. So I talked to my agent and informed him that it might be particular enjoying with Mathieu and no matter provide was on the desk from the Blues, I might simply take it. My agent requested me about pushing it somewhat bit, however I informed him that the prospect I had was not going to occur typically. So in a matter of 30 seconds, I used to be with Pittsburgh and he was with Ottawa, and the subsequent factor you already know we’re each in St. Louis.

Mathieu: We gave one another an enormous hug! Then we known as our dad and mom and mentioned, “Sit down collectively, we’ve received one thing to inform you!” My dad was tremendous pleased, and my mother had somewhat little bit of tears, realizing they gained’t have two reverse jerseys now.

Jeremy: So what was that like, Mathieu, realizing that P.O. picked the Blues to make it occur?

Mathieu: To even know there was a chance, I used to be so excited. I used to be pinching myself, like, “Oh my gosh, that is truly occurring.”

Pierre-Olivier: Final week, the Blues despatched us some new gear. We had two practices that day, and it was cool once we put each of our baggage within the trunk and so they have been each “St. Louis Blues.” We love the colours already, and it’s enjoyable to see Mathieu in the identical brand as me.

Mathieu: Nobody is aware of but, however we’ve truly picked our numbers.

Jeremy: Can we break some information right here?

Mathieu: After all! Our household quantity is No. 7 as a result of our dad wore No. 7 his complete life. So I picked 71.

Pierre-Olivier: I went with the double seven, No. 77.

Jeremy: Good! Whenever you get your final title stitched on the again of each jerseys, are you going to get “Joseph” or your first preliminary and Joseph?

Mathieu: That’s a superb query! He’s saying, “Are you going to have M. Joseph and P.O. Joseph?” When there’s two names which can be the identical on the staff, you will have the choice. Just like the Sedins wore “H. Sedin” and “D. Sedin.”

Pierre-Olivier: That’s true! I didn’t even take into consideration that.

(Editor’s notice: After this interview, the Blues introduced that the brothers will each put on simply “Joseph” on their jerseys this season. 

Jeremy: OK, I need to inform Blues followers what sort of gamers they’re getting in you guys. P.O., inform me about Mathieu, and vice versa.

Pierre-Olivier: They’re getting a quick skater, a aggressive participant, a man who likes to play defensively, however I do know he’s gifted sufficient to place factors on the board. However primarily a man, they’re getting somebody who performs with ardour and performs for his teammates. He has numerous character and that positively helps the individuals round him work tougher and turn out to be higher gamers.

Mathieu: Considered one of his greatest property, his hockey IQ, is above common. He has good intuition offensively, and when he has confidence, he’s extraordinarily quick and tremendous harmful on the ice. He’s an especially sensible participant and the way he outsmarts the opponent was annoying after I was enjoying towards him. He’s additionally been very well-liked in every single place he’s been, and he brings tons of positivity across the room.

Jeremy: So after I’m watching follow and there’s an intense battle within the nook, am I going to know immediately who it’s with out wanting on the numbers?

Mathieu: one hundred pc!

Pierre-Olivier: If we’re on completely different groups in camp, it’s going to be a compete degree that’s as excessive as potential. It’s been that manner since I used to be born. It’s going to be a continuation of pushing one another on and off the ice.

Mathieu: I’m so excited to have somebody work with me on my sport earlier than and after follow. To have the ability to do it with my brother, it’s going to assist one another for positive.

Jeremy: Does it appear actual but?

Pierre-Olivier: It’s a dream! I don’t assume we’ll actually understand it till we’re on the identical ice collectively and being in entrance of the followers in St. Louis.

Mathieu: Hopefully we can assist the Blues be a aggressive staff with our efficiency and our personalities. I informed my dad, “Hopefully we are able to have a superb season and revel in it in St. Louis and play a few years there!”

(Picture of Mathieu Joseph with the Senators and Pierre-Olivier Joseph with the Penguins in January 2023: Joe Sargent / NHLI by way of Getty Pictures)



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