Tkachuk Brothers: How the tkachuk brothers have become the flashpoint in the USA–Canada rivalry
As the United States and Canada meet again in a high-stakes hockey matchup at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the tkachuk brothers are at the center of attention. An explainer has examined why Matthew and Brady Tkachuk draw so much animosity from opposing nations, especially Canada.
Tkachuk Brothers' roles on NHL teams and the Olympic roster
Matthew Tkachuk plays for the Florida Panthers as an alternate captain and helped the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025. Brady Tkachuk serves as the captain of the Ottawa Senators. Both brothers are representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, marking their second straight February playing together on the same national team after competing in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
Montreal, February 2025: three fights in nine seconds
During the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, in a preliminary game in Montreal in February 2025, the brothers opened their matchup with Canada by engaging in three fights within nine seconds right after the opening whistle. The sequence was widely framed as an effort to "send a message" to Canadian spectators and set the tone for that game.
On-ice style, ejections and the "turtling" criticism
The Tkachuk brothers are frequently labeled among the most hated players in hockey because of an aggressive, agitating style that often provokes opponents and has led to ejections and brawls. Matthew and Brady are regularly at the center of scrums and are noted for instigating extracurricular activity on the ice. Matthew, in particular, draws criticism for what critics call "turtling"—provoking opponents to draw penalties and then avoiding fights once gloves come off—behavior many fans and players describe as irritating or "shameful. "
Family history and blunt remarks about Canada
The brothers often invoke their father, Keith Tkachuk, whose own Olympic history includes losing the gold medal to Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. 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. " Brady has also been outspoken about the rivalry, saying, "There's hatred there. I mean, they've been the top dog... and for us, we want to be in that position, be the best. "
Why the matchup matters and how perceptions persist
The United States and Canada meeting in a high-stakes game often produces heightened emotions and extracurricular incidents on the ice, and Matthew and Brady Tkachuk have been at the forefront of that intensity. Their provocations and physical play make them polarizing: other nations and players are frequently not fans, yet many admit they would welcome a Tkachuk for the winning prowess they bring. The brothers' repeat pairing for Team USA—after the February 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and now again at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan—keeps the storyline alive each time the two countries clash.
