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Ruck Twins Commit to North Dakota and Will Return to Medicine Hat for One More WHL Season

Delaying college until fall 2027 gives NHL teams a clearer multi-year development plan and keeps Medicine Hat competitive for 2026-27.

Medicine Hat Tigers forwards Markus Ruck (26) and his twin brother Liam Ruck (12) are shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — WHL, Erica Perreaux (Mandatory Credit)

Overview

  • The twins publicly committed Monday to the University of North Dakota for the 2027-28 season and said they will play the 2026-27 year with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.
  • Markus led the WHL with 108 points while Liam finished second with 104 points this season, with Markus recording 21 goals and 87 assists and Liam 45 goals and 59 assists.
  • Scouts praise the brothers' high hockey IQ and complementary skills—Markus as a playmaker and Liam as a shooter—but note both need to add strength and refine their skating.
  • Both players enter the 2026 NHL Draft projected as early picks, and their UND commitment clarifies a development timeline NHL teams can weigh when choosing prospects.
  • UND beat several NCAA suitors to land the twins, which boosts the program's recruiting class and follows the Rucks' rise after Medicine Hat's 2024-25 WHL title and Memorial Cup run.