As Team USA made its Olympic debut in Italy with a 5-1 win over Latvia, Panthers fans were excited for Matthew Tkachuk. The controversial winger played on the same line as his younger brother Brady (Ottawa Senators) and Jake Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights). It took Americans less than six minutes to score the first goal, with Matthew assisting his brother and earning both their first Olympic points. Isn't it a perfect definition of Brotherly Love?
Building on this impressive start, the two-time Stanley Cup champion closed the night with two assists and four shots in 17:55 on the ice. But it shouldn’t be a big surprise, remembering that his legendary dad, Keith Tkachuk, represented the United States at four Olympics. Tkachuk Sr. is a silver medalist of the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. He recorded six points in 23 career Olympic matchups. Matthew already has two points in his big debut. If we take both brothers, we are halfway there.Â
Speaking of other fascinating moments, Chucky arrived in Italy with a video camera in his hands. To be exact, he started his vlogging on the way to Milan. Fans can only imagine how his Olympic documentary will look after final editing.Â
The good thing is his media career doesn’t interfere with his on-ice work ethic. He is an agent provocateur at the rink and a boy-next-door outside of the rink. Just look how much he enjoys reading a fan’s letter. An 11-year-old from Cambridge expressed his support for Team USA and shared his opinion on Matthew’s most memorable hockey moment. The Panthers’ winger admitted that he will do everything possible to help his national team win gold.Â
His on-ice attitude is all about focus, intimidation, and high-quality performance, but once the show is over, Chucky is very laid-back. For instance, Tkachuk strolls through the Olympic village as an average Joe, occasionally snapping photos with other high-profile people. And as for motivation, just look at who inspired him before his Italian debut.
The iconic American rapper Snoop Dogg combines his TV reporting duties with serving as the “honorary coach” for Team USA. Matthew Tkachuk, along with his teammates, was happy to hang out with the Olympic torchbearer. Another person of interest was ice-skating phenomenon Ilia Malinin, who had already won gold in the team event. The 21-year-old figure skater, also known as the “Quad God,” and Matthew Tkachuk have at least two common traits. They both represent the United States and love hockey. As a Capitals fan, Malinin received a gift from Alexander Ovechkin before the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics as a good luck charm - signature yellow laces. Maybe later on, Tkachuk and Malinin could exchange their laces. But for now, a great picture will do.
All these experiences fuel his content creation off the ice as well. Matthew Tkachuk might not have time for a traditional diary, but he shares all his special moments with hockey fans during the “Wingmen” podcast that he hosts with his brother. The siblings just can’t stop creating content. As long as the team's results are satisfying, no coach will care about some media fun.
Looking ahead, USA will face Denmark on Saturday, Feb. 14. Matthew Tkachuk’s news to come.