Tkachuk Brothers controversy: Why tkachuk brothers remain at the center of U.S.-Canada hockey clashes
The tkachuk brothers have become a central story as the United States heads into international play, and their presence matters because Matthew and Brady are both representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Their reputation for aggressive, agitating play and repeated involvement in scrums makes them unavoidable figures in the rivalry with Canada.
Tkachuk Brothers' NHL roles and recent championships
Matthew Tkachuk skates as an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers and was part of back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2024 and 2025, a credential that helps explain why some teams covet his winning prowess. Brady Tkachuk serves as the captain of the Ottawa Senators, giving the sibling pair leadership roles on their respective NHL clubs.
Olympic pairing: Team USA in Milan and the second straight February together
Both Matthew and Brady are representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, marking their second straight February playing together on the same roster. The brothers previously skated together at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, a tournament that preceded their Olympic selection and reinforced their pairing on the international stage.
Brawls in Montreal and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off fights
Their aggressive style has produced notable incidents: during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off they engaged in three fights within nine seconds at the start of play against Canada, and during a preliminary game in Montreal in February 2025 the brothers again took part in three fights within nine seconds right after the opening whistle to "send a message" to Canadian spectators. Those sequences underline why their on-ice behavior frequently results in ejections and brawls.
Criticism of Matthew's tactics, 'turtling' and player reaction
Matthew has attracted particular criticism for what critics call "turtling" — provoking opponents to draw penalties and then avoiding fights once gloves come off. Many fans and players find those tactics irritating or even "shameful, " a critique that sits alongside praise for the brothers' top-tier skills.
Polarizing status, fan views and the legacy of Keith Tkachuk
The tkachuk brothers are frequently labeled among the most hated players in hockey because of their ability to provoke opponents and their agitating style, yet that hostility is described as mostly situational: opponent fans often dislike them, while many also admit they'd love to have a Tkachuk on their own team because of their winning instincts. The brothers frequently mention their father, Keith Tkachuk, who lost the gold medal to Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and that family history shapes how they approach matchups with Canada. Brady has said that the only advice he received from his father about Canada is that "there's just a lot of regret if you don't win, " and he has been quoted as saying, "There's hatred there, " when discussing the rivalry.
How the rivalry shows up on ice
When the United States and Canada clash, extracurricular activity often follows, and Matthew and Brady have been at the forefront of those confrontations. Their combination of leadership roles in the NHL, representation of Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and a pattern of quick, coordinated altercations—three fights within nine seconds in key games—helps explain why they are central figures whenever the two nations meet.
