Matthew Tkachuk reads touching letter from 11-year-old fan

Matthew Tkachuk will be a key player for Team USA as they enter the Olympic tournament on Thursday against Latvia. He’ll be cheered on by countless Americans—among them an 11-year-old named Cambridge, who recently wrote Tkachuk a heartwarming letter.

For the first time since 2014, NHL players are participating in the Olympics. Team USA boasts a star-studded roster and, according to insiders and analysts, is expected to contend for the gold medal.

Make a major impact

On Thursday afternoon, Team USA will be put to the test by Latvia. Matthew Tkachuk will be counted on to make a major impact if the Americans hope to make a deep run—contributing not only points, but also energy and physicality. Matthew, along with his brother Brady Tkachuk, is famously known for being able to get under opponents’ skin.

”Your brother has none”

Ahead of the tournament, Tkachuk received a heartfelt letter from an 11-year-old fan named Cambridge, who lives on a military base in Italy. The full letter reads:
“I’m 11 years old and have two brothers and sisters. I’ve lived in Italy for almost a year. I go to school on a military base because of my mom’s job. I got here right after my dad passed. He loved the Florida Panthers. I know you have had a lot of great moments in your career, but in my opinion, the best had to be the back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. That had to feel good, especially since your brother has none. I hope you score a lot of goals and I also hope Team USA wins gold. Good luck, sincerely, Cambridge.”

Matthew Tkachuk’s beautiful response

Tkachuk responded with the following message:
“That’s amazing! I will say, Cambridge, two Stanley Cups has been, you know, one of the greatest things that’s ever happened to me. But representing my country at the Olympics— I don’t know if there’s a greater honor in all of sports. So I’m going to try to do you and the rest of the Americans proud and come out with the big ultimate goal.”

Matthew Tkachuk praised by fans

Now, fans are praising Tkachuk for his beautiful response.
”Matthew Tkachuk showing Olympic athletes how to represent the USA and being honored to be there.The letter is pretty cool too. Hockey players are the best!” one fan writes.
”Thank you for representing the USA with the honor it is, many others could take a lesson from you. Rooting for you,” another one writes.
”This is awesome. Matthew is a polarizing player, but we all know he’d be our favorite player on our NHL teams, and it’s nice to have him on our team,” a third one writes.
You can watch the heartwarming video below.