The Tkachuk Brothers Are Locked In: “Gold or Bust” for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics

As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approach, the hockey world is buzzing about one powerhouse duo ready to chase glory on the international stage: Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk. The brothers, both born in St. Louis and raised in a hockey-obsessed family (their father Keith is a former NHL star), have made their intentions crystal clear—Team USA isn’t showing up just to compete; they’re showing up to win gold.

Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators captain) were among the first players named to the U.S. men’s Olympic roster in late 2025, and they’ve wasted no time turning up the heat. In interviews, podcasts, and their own “Wingmen” show, the brothers have emphasized a singular focus: bringing home the first U.S. men’s hockey Olympic gold since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team.

Matthew, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with the Panthers (and currently working his way back from preseason surgery), has spoken about how the Olympic dream is finally “becoming more real” with the roster set and the Games drawing closer. He’s hungry—visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame only fueled that fire, reminding him of unfinished business for American hockey.

Brady, meanwhile, has echoed the sentiment with trademark intensity. The brothers have talked about playing hard and working hard in Milan, no matter the challenges—like the ongoing discussions around Olympic rink size (Matthew quipped it’ll lead to “more chances, more physicality”; Brady joked he’d play “on a lake if I had to”). Their message is consistent: the pressure is welcome, the passion for representing the Stars and Stripes is unmatched, and anything short of gold isn’t an option.

“Gold or bust” has become the unofficial mantra for this loaded Team USA squad, which also features stars like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck, and more. Projected lines have the Tkachuks skating together at times—imagine that sibling chemistry on the big stage. The brothers have even debated the toughest Olympic questions on their podcast, breaking down the pressure, the preparation, and why this moment means so much.

For the Tkachuks, it’s personal and patriotic. They’ve spoken about inspiring the next generation of U.S. players, planting the flag, and seizing the rare chance to compete together for their country. With the 4 Nations Face-Off momentum still fresh (and some unfinished business after rivalries like the Canada matchup), Team USA enters Milano as a serious contender—confident, talented, and unafraid to back up their bold talk.

Will you be supporting them this Olympics? The Tkachuks aren’t asking for cheers—they’re demanding gold. And with their skill, grit, and family legacy behind them, don’t bet against the red, white, and blue hoisting the hardware in February.

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics hockey tournament begins soon—history awaits, and the Tkachuk brothers are ready to write the next chapter. 🇺🇸🏒

Matthew Tkachuk sustains lower-body injury in U.S. win against Canada at 4 Nations Face-Off

Sits out final 12:36 of 3rd period, status uncertain for Monday’s game vs. Sweden

MONTREAL – Matthew Tkachuk sustained a lower-body injury that caused him to sit out the final 12:36 of the United States’ 3-1 win against Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off at Bell Centre on Saturday.

It’s unknown if the forward will be available to play for the U.S. in its final round robin game of the tournament against Sweden at TD Garden in Boston on Monday (8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS). Tkachuk was not on the ice Monday for the morning skate.

“Right now, he’s being evaluated by our doctors,” U.S. coach Mike Sullivan said. “That’s all I can offer. We’ll make decisions that we think is best for Matthew and we think is best for our team. Right now, I don’t have a lot of information to go on, so it’s hard for me to give you more.”

Tkachuk downplayed his injury after the game, saying he had “no concern at all.”

“I feel good,” he said. “Definitely way better after a win. Should be all good.”

Complete coverage of 4 Nations Face-Off

The U.S. has already clinched a spot in the 4 Nations Face-off final in Boston on Thursday after winning its first two games of the tournament, so it could hold Tkachuk out Monday as precaution.

“Just going to enjoy this win tonight,” Tkachuk said. “Other than Game 7 (of the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers) last year, this has been the highlight of my hockey career. I’m just going to enjoy it with the guys. We have such a fun group in there, and it’s going to be a fun plane ride tonight. Lots of laughs. We’re having a lot of fun with those guys.”

Playing on a line with brother Brady Tkachuk and Jack Eichel, Tkachuk had three points (two goals, one assist) in a 6-1 win against Finland on Thursday, then began the game Saturday by fighting Canada forward Brandon Hagel following the opening face-off. Chris Kreider took Matthew Tkachuk’s spot at the morning skate Monday.

It was unclear how Tkachuk was injured. After cutting a shift short after nine seconds and skating off 3:50 into the third period, Tkachuk skipped his next shift, then played only one 40-second shift before returning to the bench and sitting for the remainder of the game.