First, there’s Jonny Tychonick.

He’s a left-handed defenseman. He likes to jump in the play. He can create offense on a dime with elite skill. He has a very outgoing and talkative personality.

listen live watch live

Then, there’s Jacob Bernard-Docker.

He’s a right-handed shot defenseman. He prefers to stay at home. He’s a terrific defender. And his personality is more reserved.

The two UND-bound defensemen offer completely different skillsets and NHL are scouts torn on who to take higher when the NHL Draft begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday night in Dallas.

Both are expected to go either late in the first round or sometime in the second round.

Some teams have Tychonick (pronounced Ty-conn-ick) listed higher. Others have Bernard-Docker going first. It’s a matter of which style each team values more.

The one thing scouts seem to agree on? The duo will perfectly complement each other during their college careers, which will begin this fall in Grand Forks.

Tychonick, 6-0, 177 pounds, and Bernard-Docker, 6-0, 187, have been playing together on various teams since they were 10 years old.

Because of their complementary styles, they’ve often been paired together.

“Jacob and I have a great relationship,” Tychonick said. “We always seem to be partners. Maybe, one day, down the road, we will again at UND.”

Bernard-Docker added: “It should be a lot of fun. We grew up being D-partners. It should be a really fun year. I’m already looking forward to it.”

But first is the draft.

An NHL scout, who has watched both players this season, described the differences.

He said Tychonick is “a dynamic player. Very noticeable and busy out there. He’s high risk and erratic but the offensive payoff is worth it. He likes to grab the puck and go. He’s explosive rushing the puck up the ice, creating odd-man chances five-on-five. He’s very creative on the power play. He has the skill to beat people one-on-one and is a gritty, highly competitive defender.”

Bernard-Docker’s style is a bit different.

“He’s a dependable, efficient defenseman,” an NHL scout said. “Nothing flashy, but he defends well and moves the puck well. A true two-way guy. His execution in all phases is very good. He’s more of a defense-first and get-the-puck-out type, but he’s got a good shot, too, and some offense. His best physical asset is his skating. He’s got NHL skating ability, for sure.”

Both players attended the NHL Combine earlier this month in Buffalo.

Bernard-Docker interviewed with 26 teams, Tychonick with 24.

“Every team was positive,” Tychonick said. “They gave me lots of good feedback. Even the testing was a cool environment. Seeing all the strength coaches and GMs (general managers) was pretty cool.”

Tychonick, who used to be a competitive swimmer and still trains doing triathlons, tested exceptionally well in agility drills.

Bernard-Docker also tested well in agility and upper-body strength.

Both players are in Dallas for the draft, as is UND head coach Brad Berry.

The first round will be held tonight (NBC Sports Network). The other six rounds will be held beginning 10 a.m. Saturday (NHL Network).

What are Tychonick and Bernard-Docker expecting?

Tychonick said: “I think the main thing I’m expecting is for it to be a lot of fun and another unbelievable experience. It’s going to be cool to be a part of. Millions of kids would love to be in the position that I am in right now. Expectation-wise, keeping an open mind is the best thing for me. Teams will pick a player that they want. If they want a defensive defenseman, they’ll get that. If they want an offensive guy, they’ll get that.”

Bernard-Docker said: “I think I’ll just go in with an open mind. I think I’m going to be happy with whatever happens. To this point, I’ve put in a lot of hard work. I’ll be happy with whatever happens.”

2018 NHL DRAFT