Article content continued

During the development camp, they’ve stayed in touch through FaceTime.

“He’s a major piece of my life and means the world to me,” Rathbone said Wednesday following a development camp session at UBC.

“He gives you a new perspective on how hockey and being an athlete and chasing a dream to be in the NHL is such a privilege. You can’t take any day for granted and you have to push yourself.

“He’s one of the reasons I push myself every day.”

Not every day is great for Teddy. There is always the possibility of a seizure or some other challenge or discomfort and Jack has been there every step of the way to show a maturity well beyond his 18 years.

“I’ve been there through his good days and his bad days and his triumphs,” said Rathbone. “But, honestly, it’s just his personality and how he perseveres through any kind of adversity. And when he has a down day, he comes back the next with the same smile and personality.

“That constant upbeat personality is what I admire the most and what I try to take into life and hockey. He always greets you with a smile and a big hug at the door. If I’ve had a bad day, it’s gone in a second. It’s a different relationship and one that I don’t have with anybody else.

“It’s pretty cool.”

Harvard coach Ted Donato believes Rathbone’s regard for those around him will give the 5-10, 177-pound defenceman a leg up when he takes the next development steps. That includes playing midget hockey until the high school season starts in November and then possibly once again for Youngstown.