This has to be such an exciting time for the Nurse family.

Not only is UConn freshman Kia Nurse preparing to play for Canada in the FIBA World Championship for Women which starts on Saturday, but her older brother Darnell is making a serious push at making the opening-night roster for the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.

Nurse, the Oilers' top pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, had an assist in a split-squad exhibition against Calgary on Sunday and he played 23:10 (6 seconds behind fellow defenseman Justin Schultz's team-leading total) in a 3-2 preseason victory over Winnipeg.

"We ate lunch together probably three or four days ago in Edmonton so I am really grateful to have him around," Kia Nurse said when she took part in a scrimmage and then international friendly between the U.S. and Canada last week. "He is such a great brother and he has such great advice. Although he is only a year older than me, he seems way more experienced that I am. It is obviously extremely helpful to have somebody in the same situation. Anything you need is just a phone call away."

It's been a hectic summer for Kia Nurse as she took part in three training camps and a series of exhibition games against teams competing in the World Championships. The preparation will end when Canada kicks off the World Championship schedule on Saturday against Mozambique.

"To wear Canada across your chest is pretty special," Kia Nurse said.