At this time a year ago, David Toews was examining his hockey life.

Did he want to return in the fall for a third year at the University of North Dakota, where his older brother Jonathan strutted his stuff, or move on to play for the Brandon Wheat Kings, the junior team that held his rights?

It wasn't an easy decision and having a famous brother who doubles as the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks put him under the microscope.

Jonathan, of course, has a long list of accomplishments. He doesn't turn 23 until April 29, but already has a resume that includes back-to-back world junior titles, an Olympic gold medal as well as a Stanley Cup championship and Conn Smythe Trophy.

Facing a crossroads, the younger Toews, who at age 20 was born 23 months after Jonathan, decided that he had more to offer than the role given to him by North Dakota head coach David Hakstol. So David departed for Brandon this season, and decision was a good one for the 5-foot-11, 195-pound centre, a 2008 third-round selection (66th overall) of the New York Islanders.

"North Dakota has a great hockey program and it was a tough decision to leave," David said. "I worked hard there for two years and felt like I needed more of an opportunity. I felt I had more skill to offer the team. Coach Hakstol had a lot of talented players to choose from so I can't blame him.

"My situation was different than when Jonathan played at North Dakota. He worked hard, was the best player on that team and received a lot of ice time. I just wanted to play more of an offensive role. Brandon was a situation I could do that, plus I could play more games here."

Jonathan is proud of his little brother and despite the rigours of playing for the defending Stanley Cup champs he finds time to keep in touch every second day.

"Pretty much every other day we talk," Jonathan said. "I have to check in on my little bro and make sure he stays in line."

"He wants to know what I'm up to and how things are going," David said. "I like to hear what he's up to in Chicago, too. He gives me some advice to give me an edge. Jonathan is a great guy. He works hard and talks to me about the importance of little things, like preparation and routine."

It may be a coincidence but about the same time that the older Toews picked up his play this season - he has 13 goals and 31 points in 20 games since the NHL all-star break - David began to exhibit a comfort level with the Wheat Kings.

The younger Toews bolted out of the gate with three goals and six points in the first six games, but then suffered a setback with a high-ankle sprain. He was out of the Wheaties lineup for a month and struggled when he returned.

But as the season progressed so did Toews and the entire Wheat Kings team, which has won 17 of its past 23 games. Brandon coach-general manager Kelly McCrimmon remarked that the improved play from Toews is the result of simply needing some experience at the junior level.

David has checked in with seven goals and 18 points in his past 17 outings. He feels his recent contributions have been a matter of the Wheat Kings performing better as a team.

"We have a young team, especially on the back end and in goal," he said. "Everybody has come together at the right time. We have had a better work ethic and some of us older leaders are scoring more and that has made it easier on the defence and goalies." 

When the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, David was in the building and was part of the post-game celebrations in Philadelphia that night and back in Chicago the next few days. It was an inspiring experience that he'll never forget.

"It was crazy and amazing to see," David said. "Anybody who would have been in that situation would have learned from the experience to see the hard work pay off and the expression on the guys' faces when they won. It was something that makes you want to get back in the gym right away. It was really inspirational."

"I think [David] has a lot potential," Jonathan added. "We'll see what happens in the next few years."