Feature Photo: IG / @mileenacotter74

Hockey nights in Canton, Michigan, were a big deal for Paul Cotter and his siblings.

It was a staple of their childhood days, the times when Paul, Jack, and their sister Mileena would head down to the basement for a spirited game of mini sticks.

While play stoppages were a rarity, there was one steadfast rule in place.

“Paul and Jack would put me in net for mini sticks and we would be down there for hours,” recalled Mileena.

“It could be a bit of a love-hate relationship during those times. Paul would tell me, ‘If you can block five of my shots, then you can go upstairs.’ So, I’m down there, working so hard to get those five saves, and when I would save the last one, he would say, ‘No… that last one doesn’t count.’”

Little did the trio know then that those moments would help shape their shared competitive streak and lead all three to athletic successes.

Paul, 24, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023 with the Vegas Golden Knights, is playing in his third NHL season and first with the New Jersey Devils.

A midfielder with Syracuse University, Mileena, 18, is a star lacrosse player who was named the 2024 USA Today Girls HSSA National Girls High School Lacrosse Player of the Year.

Jack, 21, who won the GOJHL championship with the Leamington Flyers, is skating in his first season with Augsburg University in Minnesota.

“It’s very cool to see Jack and Mileena doing well,” said Paul. “I always enjoy checking in to see how they are doing. Seeing them have success is something that makes me very happy.”

The feeling is mutual for Mileena, who wanted to make sure one of her brother’s NHL goals was extra special.

If timing is indeed everything, she undoubtedly nailed it.

In a video clip that made its way through the social media world last spring, Mileena shared her parents’ reaction to Paul, then with the Vegas Golden Knights, netting a goal on March 12, 2023.

The feed Mileena was watching happened to be a few seconds ahead of the broadcast her parents, Paul Sr. and Lisa, were tuning in to.

When she came down to see her parents – they had no clue Paul had just scored. The good-natured deception and subsequent reaction produced a heartwarming hockey moment.

“There was a lot of emotion in that video,” said Mileena with a laugh. “I was glad I was able to capture it. It’s nice when you see such a positive reaction from people.

“That wasn’t his first NHL goal, but I captioned it, ‘Every goal is as exciting as the first’ because that’s how our family genuinely reacts to every one of his goals.”

Sports has long been a hallmark of the Cotter clan.

Every member of the family has enjoyed success in their respective athletic endeavors.

Paul Sr. was an accomplished wrestler, and Lisa was an Olympic-caliber gymnast.

The unwavering commitment they had for their crafts was passed along to Paul, Jack and Mileena.

“My brother, my sister and I grew up in a home where our parents were very passionate about seeing us succeed in what we do,” said Paul, drafted by the Golden Knights in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft.

“They are a huge reason why we are where we are. They were both driven in their sports and that is something they gave to us.”

Added Mileena, “It has been incredible to have parents who believe in you more than you believe in yourself at certain times – that does wonders for a kid.”

For three summers, Mileena and her mother called Maryland home.

With less opportunities to play lacrosse in Michigan, the decision was made for mother and daughter to head to the Old Line State.    

“When my mom and dad jumped into the lacrosse world, it took time for them to help me figure out the best path,” noted Mileena, who ended up earning a spot on the high-profile, Maryland-based Sky Walkers travel team.

“Michigan is a hockey hotbed, but it is different for lacrosse. The game is huge on the U.S. East Coast. My parents knew how passionate I was for the sport, so my mom and I went to Maryland.

“It was huge for my lacrosse career. It was a grind, but they helped me so much.”

A perfect example, she noted, of how Paul Sr. and Lisa made sure they gave their children every opportunity possible to succeed.

Which is what the Cotter siblings have done.

Acquired by the Devils this past June, Paul, who earned six goals and eight points in his first 12 games to start his campaign, has helped fuel the Devils to a strong start.

Given a larger role and playing more minutes, the forward is also using his size to make an impact with 39 hits so far this season. 

Playing in New Jersey has been an all-round perfect fit.

“The group is awesome. We are building our own culture which is cool to be part of. It seems like we are going to have a very good group here for a long time.

“It’s been a great fit for me. I’ve been getting some great opportunities, which gives you more confidence. To be able to play freely has been great.

“Sheldon [Keefe] is pushing the pace and encouraging us to make plays and do different things in the offensive zone, to sustain offensive pressure. There is also the hard work in the defensive zone that leads to offensive opportunities. When you have that encouragement, it is awesome.”

Paul also has a huge support system that spans three states – Michigan, New York and Minnesota.

“I will say Jack is the one where things come naturally, and Paul and I were the ones who had to work a little bit harder to get there,” said Mileena.

“But when I see Paul play and the person that I know – he is working as hard as he can to be a top player.”

As is Mileena, who was named the 2024 Detroit High School Sports Awards Female Athlete of the Year.

She sees several similarities between herself and Paul when it comes to sports.

“He’s taught me a lot,” said Mileena. “His work ethic is so inspiring to me – I want to give him a run for his money.

“Watching both my brothers growing up, going through the highs and lows of their hockey journeys, has helped me immensely in my own journey, knowing how to handle things with grace and get through the tough moments.”

And then there are the good moments.

Paul is making the most of them in his first year in New Jersey.

“Everything is great. It couldn’t have worked out better being here.”

He’s hoping it will get even better.

“We came into the year knowing the potential of our group. You can see that ability we have to be a tough team to deal with.

“You want to work hard on your game throughout the season, to raise the bar, and you have 82 games to work with. You get to play the game you love – and you need to remember that.”

The Cotter family is happy to be along for the ride.

“Paul is a giver,” said Mileena.

“He likes to make people laugh and he will bring energy to a room – the type of person everyone wants to be around. He cares about the younger generation and wants to inspire them.”

The centreman is also still up for mini-stick hockey every so often.

“During the summer, we play a little lacrosse in the backyard,” said Mileena.

“We do give each other a run for the money. Sometimes, he kicks my butt in lacrosse and sometimes I kick his butt in mini sticks.

“It’s just us being our competitive selves.”

A tried-and-true winning formula that continues to serve the Cotter family well.