Senators Ensure Politics-Free Locker Room with Tkachuk, Sanderson’s Return
The Ottawa Senators are keeping their focus on hockey despite the swirling political controversies off the ice. Team captain Brady Tkachuk, alongside teammate Jake Sanderson, recently returned from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where they helped the U.S. men’s hockey team secure a gold medal.
Return from Celebration
Tkachuk and Sanderson participated in celebratory events in Washington, D.C., including a meeting with President Donald Trump and attendance at the State of the Union address. Both players are expected to be back in Ottawa on Wednesday night and are ready to play against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.
Mixed Fan Reactions
Upon their return, Tkachuk faces mixed feelings from fans. His inclusion in a social media post alongside his brother, Matthew, and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, received backlash. The post depicted a bride in American flag face paint surrounded by bridesmaids in Canadian and German colors, which disappointed some Senators fans.
- Brady Tkachuk’s comments on potential backlash: “They’re not the happiest with me right now.”
- Focus on performance over politics: “I’ll just go back, give them everything that I’ve got.”
Head Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Travis Green addressed concerns about political implications affecting the team. He emphasized that the focus remains on celebrating their Olympic achievements. “This isn’t about politics. This is about them celebrating a big win,” Green stated.
Team Unity Amidst Controversy
Other players expressed their support for Tkachuk and Sanderson. Defenceman Thomas Chabot noted, “At the end of the day they won the gold medal and they got offered to go meet the president of their own country.” Claude Giroux added that Tkachuk’s decisions were understandable given his background and achievements.
Green expects that both players will channel their Olympic success into their NHL performance. “I know both players well and how badly they want to win here,” he said, looking forward to integrating their fresh perspective into the Senators’ playoff push.
Current Standings
The Senators currently find themselves six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot. With 25 games remaining, they remain committed to their playoff aspirations as they welcome Tkachuk and Sanderson back to the lineup.
