Brady Tkachuk says ‘There’s hatred there’ as Usa Hockey Mens final with Canada looms
Brady Tkachuk said "There’s hatred there" as the usa hockey mens teams prepare for a stormy Olympic final on Sunday at the 2026 Games, setting the tone for a matchup between two long-time rivals with NHL players back at the Winter Games for the first time since 2014.
Usa Hockey Mens final set for Sunday at 2026 Games
The United States and Canada will meet for Olympic men’s ice hockey gold on Sunday at the 2026 Games, a game framed by recent friction and high stakes after NHL players returned to the tournament for the first time since 2014. Brady Tkachuk said on Saturday, "There’s hatred there. I mean, they’ve been the top dog. They’ve been the best for the last bunch of years, and for us, we want to be in that position, be the best. " The U. S. have not won Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980, while Canada’s most recent Olympic gold came in 2014.
Captain’s participation still unresolved after Crosby misses semi-final
Canada captain Sidney Crosby did not play in his team’s semi-final win over Finland because of a knee injury, and his participation in the final remains uncertain; coach Jan Cooper said, "We will see. I watched him skate today and we will meet tonight. He won’t put himself in harm’s way, and he will not put the team in harm’s way. " Crosby is described as a 38-year-old who has won two Olympic golds and three Stanley Cups.
Rivalry heat and recent incidents add bite to the matchup
The rivalry has intensified off the ice as well: last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off featured Canadian fans booing the U. S. anthem and several on-ice fights. Canada’s Connor McDavid acknowledged the extra edge, saying, "It is the game everybody wanted and hoped for, and it will be a great game. It now comes down to one game between two teams. It is a hockey game, and we are excited about that. Team Canada playing Team USA in a hockey game – that is what it is. "
U. S. players point to recent successes for extra motivation—the U. S. beat Canada to claim gold in the women’s tournament on Thursday—and forward Vincent Trocheck said, "I mean, we saw the girls win. Obviously win gold for USA and if we can beat Canada on Sunday, it’s just a clean sweep and I mean, that’s what everyone’s here for. "
The final on Sunday will decide Olympic gold between two of the sport’s fiercest rivals; Canada enter as favorites with a deep trophy history, and the United States arrives seeking its first men’s Olympic title since 1980. Team officials have confirmed that a final decision on Crosby’s availability will be made close to puck drop, per Cooper.
