Penguins forward prospect Cruz Lucius still calls his older brother Chaz "the best hockey player I ever played with."
Chaz, a former first-round pick of the Jets, had to retire at 21 years old in April after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects his connective tissue and makes him exceptionally prone to injury.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is primarily hereditary, and so generally if one individual is diagnosed, there's a chance that their siblings may have also inherited it. Cruz told me that he, thankfully, doesn't have the syndrome. But he still hurts for his brother for what he went through.
"I feel horrible for him." Cruz told me. "But there's more to live than hockey, and your health is the most important thing. I wouldn't be where I am without my brother. All I can do is support him and give everything I have for him."
Cruz said that the support goes both ways. Cruz, now 21 himself, is in his third year of college hockey and will eventually forge his own path into professional hockey. Originally a fourth-round pick of the Hurricanes in 2022, he'll be looking to turn pro after next season with the Penguins after being acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade. As Cruz takes that step, he still gets that support and advice from his older brother who has been through the process before.
"Without him, I wouldn't be here," Cruz said. "He pushes me more than anybody."
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THE ASYLUM
Taylor Haase
6:35 pm - 07.03.2025Cranberry, Pa.Lucius 'wouldn't be here' without brother
Penguins forward prospect Cruz Lucius still calls his older brother Chaz "the best hockey player I ever played with."
Chaz, a former first-round pick of the Jets, had to retire at 21 years old in April after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects his connective tissue and makes him exceptionally prone to injury.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is primarily hereditary, and so generally if one individual is diagnosed, there's a chance that their siblings may have also inherited it. Cruz told me that he, thankfully, doesn't have the syndrome. But he still hurts for his brother for what he went through.
"I feel horrible for him." Cruz told me. "But there's more to live than hockey, and your health is the most important thing. I wouldn't be where I am without my brother. All I can do is support him and give everything I have for him."
Cruz said that the support goes both ways. Cruz, now 21 himself, is in his third year of college hockey and will eventually forge his own path into professional hockey. Originally a fourth-round pick of the Hurricanes in 2022, he'll be looking to turn pro after next season with the Penguins after being acquired in the Jake Guentzel trade. As Cruz takes that step, he still gets that support and advice from his older brother who has been through the process before.
"Without him, I wouldn't be here," Cruz said. "He pushes me more than anybody."
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