Katie and Riley met in grade ten at M.E. LaZerte Highschool. They both made the cut, and played on the Junior Basketball team (much to everyone's surprise), and became inseparable. Riley and Katie have backpacked in Europe and Nicaragua, ran a half marathon in Disneyland, and swam with turtles in Hawaii. Besides travel, they both love trying out new restaurants, their dogs, and naps. Katie just got married in November 2023, and is looking forward to no longer having to deal with weddings after Rileys!

Matt is Ben's older (and only) brother. Growing up together they competed against each other in all aspects of life, from sports to board games and everything in between. Matt works as project manager with Standard General, (the loge seats at rogers are a great perk). In his spare time, he and his wife Randi are busy chasing their 3 year old son Theo around the house. He still finds time for the odd round of golf with Ben.

Riley and Melissa were forced by their parents to become best friends, as Riley was the first child Melissa met after coming home from the hospital after she exited the womb. It has been a hilarious adventure of growing up together for the past 31 years, most of which occurred before social media, which we are both thankful for!

Mike and Ben met in grade school but really became close in Junior High. Mike has always been quite academically inclined and never had any issues with sharing his homework. Ben always had a place to stay after a high school party or bar night at the Nielsen house. These days, Ben and Mike enjoy each others company on the golf course, at the curling rink and watching the Oilers (this is our year). Mike and his wife Jackie welcomed their first daughter Berkley last spring. I'm sure they will enjoy a full nights sleep in June.

Jade and Riley met when they were young gals running around hockey rinks, while their brothers played hockey together. It wasn't until their third year of nursing school that they actually became friends! The friendship is easy, the snacks are always in abundance, and they continue to bond over nuggets and fries while lying on the couch. Jades first baby just turned one years old, and she cannot wait to have 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep post wedding party!

Martin and Ben spent their first 5 years of life living on the same street, and they have been best friends ever since. For the next ten years, they played on the same hockey teams winning tournaments, league championships and gold medals. Martin has always had a great eye for fashion, is a talented artist, and now has a career as an architect. Martin resides in Montreal with his Wife Audrey and two kids Paul and Rose. Despite living on opposite side of the country, Ben and Martin continue their friendship with weekly phone calls to discuss the Habs and Oilers, while trouble shooting Martins electrical problems.