Just two days after a season-ending 5-2 loss to Loyola Academy Gold in the state quarterfinals, sophomore Jesse Lowell was back on the ice with his brother Jared Lowell who was coaching close by his side. Jesse Lowell darted and puck-handled through imaginary defenders and fired shot after shot into an empty net in front of vacant stands.

According to their mother Marla Lowell, Jesse Lowell, after growing up attending so many of his brother’s hockey games that his team called Jesse Lowell the “little rink rat,” had the opportunity to have his brother as an assistant coach this season.

Hockey head coach Evan Poulakidas said he understands the positive impact first-year coach Jared Lowell, who played collegiately at the University of Arizona and professionally in Europe, has had on his brother.

“Jared, being [Jesse’s] brother, knows trigger points to get to Jesse, to get him to respond, and I think he uses those wisely and has created a really nice player,” Poulakidas said.

Jesse Lowell said the two are close off the ice, often working out together and playing intense NHL video game matches.

This relationship is clear on the ice, as Jesse Lowell said he greatly respects his brother as a coach.

“As soon as we get in the rink he views me as his coach,” said Jared Lowell. “He wants to learn from me, so any time I start talking to him about something he’s doing or something he can change, he immediately stops messing around and focuses.”

Jesse Lowell said he never gets frustrated or annoyed with his brother because he understands Jared Lowell is always trying to improve him as a player.

“Jared would like to make [Jesse] an even better player than what he was, so Jesse accepts [Jared’s] coaching very well,” Poulakidas said.

Although having a brother as a coach could lead to conflict concerning favoritism, Jesse Lowell said this was not the case because Jared Lowell was well-liked and respected by players and parents due to his willingness to help every player.

Under Jared Lowell’s guidance, Jesse Lowell, who was once known as the “little rink rat,” has moved from watching his brother behind the glass to the forefront of the Glenbrook North attack, tallying 30 goals in addition to a team-leading 46 assists en route to a 53-20-2 record.

“When the puck is on [Jesse’s] stick, he is one of the best players in the state,” Poulakidas said.