‘We Like Being Together’: How Matvei Michkov and Emil Andrae Became Flyers Fans’ New Favorite Best Friends

He arrived in Philadelphia as one of the most hyped prospects in recent Flyers history, but that didn’t mean instant comfort. Learning a new culture, adapting to a new style of play, and navigating the language barrier could have been isolating. That’s where Andrae came in.

“We’re a little bit more laidback,” Andrae explained. “On the ice, we’re competitive. We’re two young guys, but that means you can talk and have a good time. We’re pretty similar human beings. We get along well, and you can see that too. We like to be together.”

That bond has helped Michkov settle in. Even answering questions about Andrae, he looks at ease—relaxed, happy to be talking about his friend. It’s the kind of connection that makes adjusting to a new world just a little easier.

“He’s teaching me some words [in Russian] here and there, but he’s good at speaking English,” Andrae said. “I can understand him pretty good. He’s been getting better and more comfortable… We talk, but it’s just simple words.”

Michkov might still be mastering the finer points of English, but the language of hockey—and friendship—has always been universal.

A Routine Born from Chemistry

If you watch warmups closely, you’ll notice it: Michkov and Andrae, in their own little world, going through a routine that’s become as much a part of their game-day ritual as taping sticks or stretching. They'll shoot pucks at each other, intetionally bash shoulders, and sneak in the occasional stick tap on each other's helmets.

“We came up with that [warmup routine] early on when I was up before, and…I don’t know, it just became a routine!” Andrae said. “It’s fun to have those.”

Fun is the key word. It’s what defines them, what makes their dynamic so easy to love. This isn’t a forced friendship, born out of necessity. It’s real, organic, and effortless.

The Best Kind of Teammate

The most telling part of their friendship, though, might be Michkov’s response to hearing about how many people get them confused during games.

“Let [Emil] score more, then give me the credit!” he joked.

It’s said with a smile, with that unmistakable spark in his eye, but it speaks to something bigger. Michkov and Andrae genuinely root for each other. Their success is intertwined, their excitement for each other’s achievements unforced.

In a league where competition can be cutthroat, where every player is battling for ice time and a role, finding a friend who understands you—who celebrates your highs and helps you through your lows—is invaluable.

For Michkov, that’s Andrae. For Andrae, that’s Michkov.

And as long as they’re in the same locker room, they’ll keep pushing each other to be better. Even if, at a glance, their teammates, fans, broadcasters—and their own families—have to do a double take to figure out which one is which.