CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The apple didn’t fall far from the tree in the Brind’Amour family.

Carolina Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour is leading his team in the Stanley Cup playoffs, while his son, Skyler Brind’Amour, is beginning to make his way as a pro in the minors.

The 23-year-old is coming off of an NCAA national championship with Quinnipiac College in April, and just over two weeks after collecting the hardware, he signed a Professional Try Out (PTO) with the Charlotte Checkers that led the American Hockey League team to ink him to a two-year deal on April 25.

“It was, ya know, a kinda quick turnaround. Got down here, and started practicing, doing the pro hockey life, and getting a taste of it,” Skyler Brind’Amour said.

That taste with the Checkers is just that. He joined the club during their Calder Cup playoff run, with little chance of drawing into the lineup because of the number of players the team already has with them. 

He remains focused on taking the steps required to reach the National Hockey League, where his father posted Hall-of-Fame worthy numbers. The younger Brind’Amour feels his playing style is modeled after his dad in many ways.

“I try to do the little things, and I think from a young age, he’s always taught me that the little details in the game are important,”Skyler Brind’Amour continued. “Things like faceoffs, and that’s something I’ve always carried with me.”

Something else passed down from father to son is a strong work ethic. Skyler Brind’Amour described watching his father come off the ice after an NHL game as a player, and head to the weight room for a post-game workout.

That kind of drive, determination and physical fitness level was an inspiration to him as a young player. He learned that there is no easy road when it comes to chasing the things you want in life.

“There’s no shortcuts in anything he does,” Skyler Brind’Amour said. “Whether it is hockey or life in general, he does things the right way, so it’s been awesome to learn from that.”

He says there is no downside to being the hockey-playing son of an NHL great. He’s been able to learn as much about the game from a terrific source with a wealth of information, but if there is a drawback, it’s opposing players razzing him about being a Brind’Amour. 

“Chirps,” as they are called in hockey, seem to come from opponents. However, Skyler Brind’Amour feels they could use a little work in being better.

“You might get a few more chirps and things like that, but I’m just trying to do my own thing,” he said.