DEV CAMP: Vesey, Larkin share more than NHL brotherly bloodlines

EDMONTON, AB - Nolan Vesey and Colin Larkin didn't have to watch their steps to find common ground.
The Oilers Development Camp roommates share more than just NHL brotherly bloodlines.
"We have a lot in common," said Nolan, sibling of New York Rangers forward Jimmy. "Obviously, both our brothers play in the NHL and we want to get there."

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The two recently ended their collegiate careers, each playing four seasons in the NCAA. Larkin competed in Div. III for Umass-Boston and Vesey - hailing from North Reading, MA. - played for the University of Maine, a Div. I program out of Hockey-East.
"He's a Boston kid and I was in Boston for college," said Colin, the older brother of Detroit Red Wings speed demon Dylan. "I've met his brother and he's a great kid."
The two entered development camp on much of the same footing, poised to embark on their professional careers. Given that fact, the two share similar sentiments off the ice.
"It's nice to be roommates with him and get to know him a little better as we're going through the same process here into pro hockey," Larkin said. "I was pretty excited to room with him and get to hang with him."
Both Vesey and Larkin also have close relationships with their respective brothers. Despite Colin being older than Dylan, he still seeks advice from the Red Wing.
"He's my only brother," said Larkin, who amassed 148 points in 111 collegiate games and made his Bakersfield Condors debut in 2017-18. "Starting my pro career off, I bounced things off him. We're always talking about hockey. It's nice having him."
Nolan - two years younger than Jimmy - said his big bro has been communicating with him since he got to Edmonton, eager to provide advice and find out how Oilers Development Camp is going.
"I haven't really had a chance to look at my phone but we're best friends off the ice," Vesey, who had 82 points in 145 college outings, said. "In summer, we train together and skate together. I'm his biggest fan and he's my biggest fan.

"Whenever I have questions, he's always there to give me great advice."
Speed and skill are imprinted in the DNA of each family. Nolan's had people compare his game to Jimmy's, which he considers high praise.
"It's weird, some people say we play the exact same way," Vesey said. "I'll take that as a compliment because he's in the NHL."
Larkin, meanwhile, is proud of what his little brother has already accomplished in his NHL career. Last season, Dylan put up 63 points in 82 games as a 21-year-old.
"I'm extremely proud of where he's gone in his pro career so far. He's only going to continue to get better," he said. "My situation was different because I was a free agent and he was a high draft pick."
Vesey and Larkin could become full-time Bakersfield Condors in the 2018-19 season. Larkin has played 16 games already, amassing two assists. Vesey has yet to suit up for the club but they'll both navigate training camp together.
"I think we have a few similarities," said Vesey. "We're roommates right now for Development Camp and we're getting along great."