Markus Ruck

Markus Ruck (born February 21, 2008) is a Canadian ice hockey player who is a forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He is the identical twin brother of Liam Ruck.

Playing career Ruck and his twin brother were members of the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton. With the U15 team, he posted seven goals and 25 assists in 30 games during the 2021–22 season. He then recorded 22 goals and 65 assists for a total of 87 points in 2022–23, followed by 18 goals and 44 assists for a total of 62 points in 2023–24. His brother Liam had been selected by the Tigers with the ninth overall pick. For the 2025–26 season, they were the two leading scorers in the WHL. Appearing in 68 games, Markus posted 21 goals and 87 assists for a total of 108 points, leading the WHL in scoring and leading the entire Canadian Hockey League (CHL) in assists, while his brother finished second in the WHL with 104 points. They were both named first-team WHL Eastern Conference all-stars and were invited to the WHL Prospects Game, where they served as alternate captains.

Ruck and his brother were considered top prospects for the 2026 NHL entry draft. They were both selected in the draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins: Liam in the first round, with the 22th pick, and Markus in the second round, with the 39th pick.

Both brothers announced their commitment to play for the University of North Dakota beginning in the 2027–28 season on June 22, 2026.

International play Ruck and his brother both competed for Canada at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics. Later that year, the two both played at the 2024 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and helped their team to the gold medal. Their father, Derek, also played in the WHL. The brothers grew up in Osoyoos. At two years old, they began skating, and they also played baseball and soccer growing up. Since childhood, they have been best friends with Anaheim Ducks prospect Mathis Preston, who was drafted shortly after the twins.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Bold indicates led league Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2023–24 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — — 2024–25 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 62 8 21 29 6 14 1 3 4 6 2025–26 Medicine Hat Tigers WHL 68 21 87 108 28 15 4 9 13 2WHL totals 132 29 108 137 34 29 5 12 17 8