Driving from Brady Lamb's home in the Ranchlands neighborhood to Wade Bergman's home in the Bowness neighborhood takes just eight minutes.
In the city of Calgary, Alberta (pop. 1 million), they grew up in the same northwest quadrant. They played hockey at the same community rink -- Father David Bauer Arena. They went through the same youth programs as defensemen, yet didn't really know each other well. An age difference kept them on separate teams.
Lamb, born in 1988, is two years older. He got to Minnesota Duluth in 2008. Bergman arrived in 2009.
Since then they've rarely been apart on the ice as a defensive pair and will be together today as No. 15-ranked UMD (2-3-1) opens a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series with Bemidji State (3-3) at 7:07 p.m. at Amsoil Arena.
Both were Alberta Junior Hockey League all-stars. Both are business majors.
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"We crossed paths a lot through the years and when we saw each other in a hallway at a rink in junior hockey, we'd say hello," said Bergman. "At UMD we were put together right away and it just clicked. It's been a perfect match -- a match made in heaven."
It's hard to argue the point. When both have been healthy, they've played most of the last 70-some games together. And they're a notable contrast. Lamb, a senior, is listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds and regarded as a defensive defenseman. Bergman, a junior, is 5-8 and 165 and more offensive.
Last season, each ended up with 10 points. Bergman had a goal in UMD's Division I East Regional 5-3 title win over top-ranked Yale University. Lamb was UMD's scoring leader in the NCAA championship game 3-2 overtime victory over Michigan with three assists, including on Kyle Schmidt's winning goal.
"We're on opposite ends of the spectrum," said Lamb, an assistant captain. "Bergy is a phenomenal skater and when he gets the green light to carry the puck, it's easier for me to stay back and focus on defense."
Lamb shoots right-handed, Bergman left-handed. Lamb skates on power plays, Bergman kills penalties. Lamb is physical and Berman, well, can deliver an eye-opening hip-check. Both have offensive skills.
They're a steadying combination for a relatively young defensive corps.
"Brady is a defender. He's big and strong, and can pass the puck up the rink. At the blue line, he's a presence," said UMD coach Scott Sandelin, a former North Dakota defenseman. "Wade is probably the most competitive guy on the team; he has the heart of a lion. He is a great shot blocker and can get the puck out of tight areas.
"We rely on the dynamics and experience of both players. We put them out against the top lines of other teams. They get plenty of ice time."
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Lamb, 23, played three seasons with the hometown Calgary Royals in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and was named the league's outstanding defensemen in 2008. Bergman, 21, played two seasons for Olds, Alberta, through 2009 and was named league rookie of the year in 2008.
Bergman says being looked to as a veteran is a role he relishes.
"The growth of our team in the first three weeks of the season has been unbelievable. The younger guys have picked up the pace and we've all improved," he said.
Although Lamb and Bergman don't room together at UMD and work out at different gyms during the summer, they are Calgarians and often talk about all things Canadian from their nearby lockers.
"We found a chemistry almost from our first game and have become good friends," said Lamb.
