Matthew Tkachuk shares heartfelt moment with Jimmy Fallon: “It was one of the most special moments of my life”

The spotlight has been shining on ice hockey a little more brightly of late as a result of the 4 Nations Face-Off, an NHL All-Star Game alternative which really captured the imagination of fans, both longstanding and new.

Although Canada won out against the United States in the championship game, the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, were two of the stars of the tournament, in which they edged their way further into public consciousness.

To prove that point, Matthew, the elder of the Tkachuk siblings, was a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” after the 4 Nations Face-Off, with the hockey star’s pride at representing not only his country but also his family shining through.

Matthew Tkachuk’s American pride

In 2023, the 27-year-old won the Stanley Cup, the NHL’s championship trophy, with the Florida Panthers, but claims playing for the USA is an even bigger deal. “We’re so lucky to be from this great country. Just to be able to represent and look down and see the “USA” crest…there’s nothing that will beat that”.

Playing alongside brother Brady, however, comes pretty close. The Tkachuks had only ever played together in a “fake” NHL All-Star Game before their “dream” of competing alongside one another “finally came true” in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Hockey fans, and others, will be well aware the brothers are the sons of Keith Tkachuk, considered one of the best American-born players to have ever played in the NHL (between 1992 and 2010).

“Special moment” between Matthew and Keith Tkachuk

Despite that, Tkachuk Sr never won the Stanley Cup in his career, although Matthew says that fact has inadvertently led to one of the best moments of his life.

“I don’t think he would change a thing to see one of his boys lift that trophy. One of the coolest moments I had was, after that, on the ice, having my whole family out there.

“I had the cup in my hands, for some reason, and I got to hand it to him, and it was one of the most special moments of my life”.

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