Have you ever been watching a hockey game, heard the name “Drury,” and thought, Wait a minute… are they related? You’re not alone. This little mystery has bounced around hockey bars, group chats, and coffee breaks for years. It’s the kind of question that makes life more fun—because it turns a simple game into a delightful family puzzle.
The Two Drurys: A Tale of Two Careers
Let’s start with the one you probably remember best: Chris Drury. He was the clutch playoff hero for the Colorado Avalanche, the guy who won the Hobey Baker Award in college and later the Stanley Cup. Chris is a Hall-of-Fame-caliber name, now running the New York Rangers as their President and General Manager.
Then we have Jack Drury, a current center for the Carolina Hurricanes. He’s younger, scrappier, and just broke into the NHL in 2021. You’ve seen him grinding along the boards, winning faceoffs, and earning his stripes. Two distinct careers, one shared last name—and a whole lot of curiosity.
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The Short, Sweet Answer
So, are they related? Yes, they are! But here’s where it gets fun: Chris and Jack are not father and son, and they’re not brothers. The connection is a little more charming. Jack is Chris’s first cousin—once removed? Nope, that’s overcomplicating it. Let’s just say their dads are brothers.
Specifically, Jack’s father is Ted Drury, who also played in the NHL for ten seasons. And Ted’s brother? That’s Chris’s dad. So Chris and Ted are first cousins, making Jack Chris’s second cousin—or a “first cousin once removed” if you want to get technical. But honestly? Just call them hockey family.
Jack Drury, Chris Drury's nephew, leads Hurricanes into second round
Why This Matters (More Than You Think)
Here’s the thing about bloodlines in sports: they’re fascinating. They remind us that greatness can be woven into a family’s DNA, passed down like a secret recipe for hustle. When Jack scores his first big playoff goal, you can bet the broadcast will mention Uncle Chris. And that’s not just trivia—it’s a little story.
Think about it: a Drury has been in the NHL since the 1990s. That’s three decades of one family’s fingerprints on the game. It makes hockey feel smaller, more intimate, like a giant extended family reunion where everyone knows the same handshake.
The “Is This Real Life?” Factor
What’s really delightful is how humble both Chris and Jack are about it. Chris has said in interviews that he’s just “proud of Jack,” while Jack jokes that he still gets texts from Chris after big games. They’re not trying to overshadow each other—they’re just two guys who happen to share a name, a drive, and a love for winning.
Predators sign recently acquired Jack Drury to five-year contract
And guess what? There’s even a third Drury in the mix! Beau Drury, Ted’s other son, is playing college hockey at Yale. So the Drury pipeline isn’t drying up anytime soon. Honestly, it’s like a hockey version of the Manning family—but with fewer commercials and more ice.
What This Teaches Us About Fun
Here’s my favorite part: you can now watch a Hurricanes game and play “Drury Detective.” Every time Jack makes a slick pass, you can whisper to your buddy, “You know who his cousin is, right?” It’s a tiny, harmless secret that makes the action feel richer. Life is made of these little connections.
NHL Draft prospect Jack Drury wants to carve own career path | Buffalo
It’s also a beautiful reminder that success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Jack didn’t wake up one day with NHL skills—he grew up surrounded by hockey wisdom. His dad played, his cousin is a legend, and his family’s dinner table conversations probably sound like a coaching clinic. That’s legacy.
The Uplifting Finale
So next time you see Jack Drury flying down the ice, know that he’s carrying more than a stick—he’s carrying a banner for his family’s passion. And when you see Chris in the executive suite, remember that he’s rooting for his cousin from the press box. Two Drurys, one sport, infinite stories.
Here’s your takeaway: go look up your own family history. You might find a cousin who played college ball, a grandparent who coached Little League, or an uncle who could juggle a soccer ball for hours. Those connections are waiting to be discovered—and they can make even a Tuesday evening feel like a playoff game. Because in the end, we’re all just one last name away from a beautiful, unexpected story. Now, go find yours.
