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The 4 Nations Face-Off will be much more than a family affair for brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk.
When the puck drops this February on the highly anticipated international tournament, which features NHL players representing teams for Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States, the Tkachuk siblings will skate together representing their country.
Playing on the international hockey stage runs in the Tkachuk family.
Their father, former NHL power forward and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk, also represented the Stars and Stripes throughout his time in the game. In 1996, he helped his country win the World Cup of Hockey tournament.
“I’m very thankful and grateful for this opportunity,” said Brady, the 25-year-old Ottawa Senators captain. “To be able play with Matthew is going to be amazing.”
Playing in his ninth NHL season and third with the Florida Panthers, Matthew, who turned 27 on Wednesday, echoed his younger brother’s thoughts.
“It is a true honour to play for your country,” said the winger, who won the Cup with the Panthers last season. “It’s incredible to have a chance to play on this team with this group of guys, including my brother. It really is a dream come true.”
For as much as it represents a special opportunity to wear the same jersey on the world stage, the siblings continue to marvel at the strength of the roster assembled by USA Hockey.
“It’s going to be amazing to be part of this group,” said Brady, who captained Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Championship this past May and has previously represented his country at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.
“There are guys who I have played with in the past, so to rekindle those relationships and relive those great memories will be a lot of fun. Then there are the guys who I haven’t played with before – that will be a great experience.”
Meanwhile Matthew has also suited up for the U.S. on numerous occasions, earning bronze at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship most recently after winning gold at the 2015 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship.
“It’s pretty crazy when you look at the age group of these guys – it’s hopefully something we can build chemistry with and compete for the next bunch of years together for our country.
“I think USA Hockey is in a great place.”
For as much as the 4 Nations Face-Off will bring new experiences for both, there will also be familiarities when they slip their respective jerseys on.
“That feeling of putting your country’s jersey on doesn’t ever get old,” said Matthew. “I haven’t done it since World Juniors, but I can remember how I felt. This takes that to a whole new level.
“It is a true honour to play for your country. It’s incredible to have a chance to play on this team with this group of guys. I am sure everyone is super jacked up for this opportunity to make a big statement throughout the hockey world.”
Brady agrees.
“It’s a dream come true. You always dream about winning the Stanley Cup, but you also dream about winning for your country at that best-on-best level. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
So, what does the U.S. side have in the Tkachuks?
Brady, who was named Ottawa’s captain on Nov. 5, 2021, brings one of hockey’s top-shelf shots, according to Matthew.
“I think he is one of the best goal scorers in the league. I see his shot in the summer, the quick release of that shot – his offensive instincts don’t get enough credit. His shot is world-class. It’s heavy, it’s quick and it’s accurate. He’s one of the few guys in the league that can beat a goalie clean and that’s one of the hardest things to do.
“People talk about his competitiveness, his drive, his willingness to do whatever it takes and his skillset as a power forward, but I think his shot separates him from most guys in the league.”
Matthew’s on-ice smarts make him a game-changing type, noted Brady.
“I think first and foremost, he is right up there in the top three, top five, of smartest players in the league. His passing ability, finding lanes and finding holes to make plays – that’s what makes him special, the way he can think the game.
“He’s won at every level, so to be around him at an event like this, to be able to win it with him would be pretty special.”
Matthew and Brady, who last played together at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game representing the Atlantic Division, are counting down the days until the 4 Nations Face-Off begins on Feb. 12, with the games being played in Boston at TD Garden and Montreal at Bell Centre.
“It’s hard not to think about it right now, especially with the team being picked,” said Matthew. “There are so many guys on the team who I have crossed paths with before and I am excited to play with them. And there are a ton of guys who I haven’t played with who I am incredibly pumped to be part of the same team.”
Brady is hoping to strike gold for his youngest fan, namely his son, Ryder, who was born earlier this year on Sept. 16, 2024.
“Some of the best memories I had was going to the rink to see my dad. I’m happy to know that it will be the same for Ryder and my future kids.
“I have gained more and more of an appreciation for what my wife [Emma] does every day. All the moms out there, it’s a tough job, and they don’t get recognized enough for all they do, but they are the real MVPs.”
For now, the brothers will focus on their respective NHL team’s fortunes.
That doesn’t mean they haven’t taken a second or third look at the U.S. roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“The talent our team has is through the roof and I’m looking forward to sharing the ice with those guys,” said Matthew.
Said Brady, “It shows you what USA Hockey has done to build the game and to keep it strong for years to come.”
