Winter Olympics 2026: Brady Tkachuk’s versatility key for Team USA ahead of hockey gold medal game
Keys to success against Canada
The U.S. played a fast game out the gate in the semi-final, as did Slovakia. It was a point of emphasis for the team.
“Today, I thought we came out of the gates really hot. I think our starts haven’t been as great as what we wanted, but it showed today that we’re ready to play and ready to do whatever it takes,” he said.
Tkachuk has already proved he is willing and able to do what it takes to swing momentum in the Americans favour. After a slow start against Denmark, Tkachuk willed himself and his team to return to their game.
“I just wasn’t happy with my own game and thought it needed to be a lot better,” he said after the 6-3 come from behind win on 14 February.
Expect more of the same from Tkachuk, who is one of the 21 players in the U.S. Olympic team that lost to the Canadians in the 2025 NHL 4 Nations final.
“I know how I felt after. It wasn’t something I want to feel again, Sometimes you got to have those feelings, go through that, go through a little adversity to be better on the other side,” Brady said.
“(We’ve) got a shot at our childhood dream and something that everybody’s been looking forward to for as long as they can remember.”
