Austin Bruins players Brandon Wahlin, left, and Charlie Adams, right are both from White Bear Lake, Minn. and they've been re-united in Austin this season. -- Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

When two of the Austin Bruins’ top two scorers take the ice every night, they may occasionally reflect back on their days of youth hockey.

Both coming from White Bear Lake, Minn., Brandon Wahlin and Charlie Adams were very aware of each other growing up.

They played against each other in youth hockey and they played as teammates on some summer hockey teams. However, they never faced each other in high school as Wahlin, who is in his first year on the Bruins, played for White Bear Lake High School, which is in Class ‘AA’, and Adams, who is a second year Bruins player, played for Mahtomedi, which is in Class ‘A.’

“We knew each other pretty well (before playing for the Bruins),” Adams said. “We’d always talk to each other in youth hockey and it was fun.”

When Wahlin arrived to Austin, he was glad to see a familiar face in the Bruins’ locker room and Adams showed him around town early on. Adams also showed Wahlin how to handle himself on the ice.

“I told him that this is different than high school, but he got the hang of it pretty quick,” Adams said. “It’s a lot of work in practice and a lot of work before the season.”

Wahlin appreciated the input.

“He knows what’s going to happen during the season and it’s nice to have a role model,” Wahlin said. “I thought I’ve adjusted pretty well to this league so far and that’s a credit to (Adams) and a lot of the guys here.”

Adams is fourth on Austin with 17 points this season and he has 21 career goals and 37 assists. Wahlin leads Austin with 22 points this season as he has eight goals and 14 assists.

Both players are on the power play and penalty kill teams.

Austin head coach Chris Tok said Wahlin and Adams have both been key contributors to his squad this season.

“Wahlin is a dynamic offensive player who puts fear into the opposition whenever he touches the puck,” Tok said. “Adams is a solid, reliable defensive player that we use on defensive zone draws. He is good at using his body to protect the puck which allows him time to set up his teammates. He has evolved into a leader even though he does not wear a letter on his jersey.”

Wahlin said he immediately developed a chemistry with some of Austin’s players from the metro area and he’s learning to play with the others as the season goes along.

“With hard work, the goals will come and they’re coming for both of us. If you miss one opportunity, just play hard and you’ll get another one,” Wahlin said. “All of my linemates have my back and if I make a mistake they’ll be there to cover.”

The second place Bruins (15-9-3 overall) will host first-place Bismarck (22-5 overall) this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena