Tkachuk brothers controversy, explained: Why world (especially Canada) loves to hate USA's hockey siblings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Once again, the hockey world is treated to Canada taking on the United States in a high-stakes game.
Whenever these nations clash, extracurricular activities take place on the ice. More often than not, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are in the middle of these scrums, instigating them.
The Tkachuk brothers, Matthew (Florida Panthers) and Brady (Ottawa Senators), are frequently called the most hated players in hockey for their aggressive, agitating play and ability to provoke opponents.
Although they possess top-tier skills, they remain polarizing figures due to their heavy involvement in these altercations; the other nations and players are not the biggest fans of this rough duo.
The Sporting News dives into why the world loves to hate the USA's hockey siblings.
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Why are Tkachuk brothers controversial?
They play an aggressive style that frequently results in ejections and brawls. During the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, they notably engaged in three fights within nine seconds of the start against Canada.
Matthew, in particular, faces criticism for "turtling"—provoking opponents to draw penalties but then avoiding fights once gloves come off. Many fans and players see these tactics as irritating or "shameful".
The hostility towards them is mostly situational. Opponent fans often dislike them, though many admit they'd love to have a Tkachuk on their team because of the winning prowess.
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Who do the Tkachuk brothers play for?
Matthew plays for the Florida Panthers as an alternate captain and contributed to the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, Brady is the captain of the Ottawa Senators.
Both brothers are representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. This is their second straight February playing together on the same team, after competing in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
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Tkachuk brothers comments on Canada
Matthew and Brady have been at the forefront of the intense rivalry between the United States and Canada.
During a preliminary game in Montreal in February 2025, the brothers notably engaged in three fights within nine seconds right after the opening whistle to "send a message" to the Canadian spectators.
THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA OPEN UP THEIR FOUR NATIONS GAME WITH THREE FIGHTS IN THE FIRST NINE SECONDS! pic.twitter.com/Y7fLhccJ5K
— The Sports Place (@offsportsplace) February 16, 2025
The brothers often mention their father, Keith Tkachuk, who lost the gold medal to Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Brady mentioned that the only advice he received from his father about Canada is that "there's just a lot of regret if you don't win".
Below are some of their outspoken and controversial remarks about their North American neighbors.
Brady
"There's hatred there," said Brady in an ESPN interview. "I mean, they've been the top dog... and for us, we want to be in that position, be the best".
Days before the Games started, Brady ignited controversy by asserting that the Canadian team was "past their prime" and warning they should "beg for mercy" at the Olympics, dismissing their recent achievements as "luck."
Matthew
Matthew presented the tournament as an opportunity to finally break Canada's dominance in best-on-best competitions. He emphasized, "The message we wanted to send is, 'It's our time right now.'"
Matthew called the chance to play against Canada "the pinnacle of the sport," and mentioned that there is "no better feeling" than being booed while scoring and winning against them.
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Tkachuk brothers Donald Trump comments
During the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Matthew and Brady gained significant media attention for their public endorsement of President Donald Trump and their strong patriotism.
The Tkachuk brothers, representing Team USA in men's ice hockey, have publicly expressed their political preferences amid broader debate over athletes' involvement in politics during the Games.
Following President Trump’s criticism of other U.S. athletes—such as skier Hunter Hess—for having "mixed emotions" about representing the nation, the Tkachuks were highlighted by conservative commentators as exemplars of "unfiltered national pride."
Matthew clarified that, although he is proud to serve his country, his primary attention remains on the game.
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Tkachuk brothers fights
The Tkachuk brothers often find themselves in high-profile conflicts, whether in the NHL or at international events like the 2026 Winter Olympics and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. Here are some of the more notable players they have butted heads with.
Leon Draistaitl
During the 2026 Olympics, Matthew reignited his long-standing rivalry with the German captain with a "hot mic" verbal jab that went viral.
Matthew Tkachuk came with the chirps for Draisaitl in today’s game 👀 pic.twitter.com/wS4G1X2VUT
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 15, 2026
The comment was a pointed remark about Draisaitl's Edmonton Oilers narrowly missing winning the Stanley Cup in consecutive years, losing to Tkachuk's Florida Panthers.
Brandon Hagel
Matthew famously fought Brandon Hagel merely two seconds into the opening faceoff of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in order to set the tone for Team USA.
BRANDON HAGEL AND MATTHEW TKACHUK DROP GLOVES AT PUCK DROP 😱
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2025
📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/Agc8UN3fIo
Sam Bennett
Immediately after Matthew's fight, Brady challenged Sam Bennett, Matthew’s teammate on the Florida Panthers.
4 NATIONS FACE-OFF FINAL TONIGHT.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2025
It's on. 🇺🇸🇨🇦 #4Nations
(via @NHL) pic.twitter.com/dduGDYUnPZ
Brad Marchand
After Canada’s 3-2 overtime win in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Marchand famously remarked, "Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off in the media, it bites you. They got a little bit ahead of themselves".
Brad Marchand says the “51st state” chatter and trash talk by Tkachuk brothers didn’t have an impact on @HockeyCanada.
— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) February 21, 2025
On Tkachuks: “Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off in the media - I mean, it bites ya.”
“You can do that during the season. But when you’re playing… pic.twitter.com/IfZYYdQENK
Despite the chirping, Marchand acknowledged they are "great players" with "effective" styles that few others in the league can match.
Igor Shesterkin
Brady entered the crease, made contact with Shesterkin's hand, and chaos unfolded. Every Ranger on the ice, including Shesterkin, engaged in the altercation.
Hell breaks loose between the Senators and Rangers and Igor Shesterkin wants all the smoke#NYR | #GoSensGopic.twitter.com/FCOJu9bNsV
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) January 22, 2025