Tkachuk Brothers Ignite U.S. Victory Over Canada in Thrilling Face-Off

BOSTON — Keith Tkachuk watched from the stands at the Bell Centre in Montreal as the U.S. hockey team clashed with Canada on February 15, 2025. The lower bowl was packed with 21,105 fans, generating electric energy as the U.S. secured a crucial 3-1 win, a victory that sent them to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game at TD Garden on Thursday.

Tkachuk, a 1996 World Cup champion, sat alongside his wife Chantal and daughter Taryn, keenly observing as his sons, Matthew and Brady, set the tone for the game with fights within three seconds of the opening face-off.

“It was unbelievable, the electricity in the building,” Tkachuk recounted wearing a USA beanie at a Boston hotel. “I had no idea they were going to do that, so they must have talked amongst themselves. It wasn’t an exhibition game. It was the real thing. And I’m proud of them.”

This marks a significant occasion as it was the first time the Tkachuk brothers played together on this international stage. Tkachuk reflected on the significance: “They love their country, and they knew the magnitude of this game.”

The brothers coordinated their fights through a group chat before the puck drop, sending the message: “It’s our time right now,” Matthew stated after the match.

Matthew opened the matchup with a fight against Brandon Hagel, followed swiftly by Brady’s bout at the three-second mark. “We wanted to show that we’re not backing down. It was a lot of fun,” he added.

Keith expressed mixed feelings about watching his sons engage physically, noting, “Nobody likes to see their kid fight. But I knew Brady could handle it fine. It was awesome,” he said. After their fights, the brothers shared a brief interaction in the penalty box, searching for their father’s face in the crowd.

This latest showdown against Canada mirrors Keith’s own experience during the 1996 World Cup, where he faced Claude Lemieux just twenty seconds into a game against Canada.

“We were always the little brother to Canada, so we wanted to make our mark,” Keith stated. He contributed significantly to that 1996 team, tallying six points in five games.

Now, as U.S. General Manager, Bill Guerin’s efforts to reform the team have started to pay off with the current roster which showcases a blend of skills and toughness. The U.S. has amassed six points in the tournament standings, leading currently with Canada, Finland, and Sweden trailing behind.

Brady and Matthew’s performances have exemplified this grit, with Matthew boasting two goals and an assist in a previous 6-1 victory against Finland. Keith highlighted how this year’s team has its unique elements, resonating with the dynamics present in the 1996 World Cup team.

As the championship matchup looms on February 20 against Canada, Keith shared his excitement about watching his sons possibly lead the U.S. to its first major tournament title since 1996.

“I’m looking forward to it. They punched their ticket to that game,” Keith said. “It’s going to be great for the game.”