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Team USA men’s hockey stars Matthew and Brady Tkachuk kept America’s heroes in mind as they celebrated their gold medal triumph over Canada at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.
The two players spoke to KSDK-TV with an American flag draped over each of their shoulders.
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USA’s Matthew Tkachuk, left, and Brady Tkachuk pose for the team photo after receiving their gold medals following an overtime win against Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
“I feel on top of the world. Just to do it while my brother is here. There are so many people that we can thank. Matthew said that everyone in St. Louis, all the family and friends, even all the first responders, everyone who protects and serves our country. This is for them. This is for every American,” Brady Tkachuk told the St. Louis station.
Matthew Tkachuk interjected: “All the military that put their lives on the line for us.”
He also reflected on the win over Canada, saying the brothers couldn’t have done it without a ton of support.
USA’s Brady Tkachuk (7) and Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrate after the USA’s victory over Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
US OLYMPIC HOCKEY STAR QUINN HUGHES CALLS AMERICA ‘THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD’ AFTER GAME-WINNING SHOT
“Hockey is our game. It’s America’s game. It’s the greatest country in the world,” he said. “We have the best support ever – hundreds of millions of people at home, so many people in St. Louis, all in St. Louis.
“We could feel the support, whether they’re hockey fans or not. Everybody’s watching. Everybody better party right now. Everybody better wear the red, white and blue as long as they can. It should be a month-long mandate to wear the USA red, white and blue and celebrate us and the other Olympic gold winners.”
It was Jack Hughes who gave Team USA the win in overtime against Canada.
The New Jersey Devils star was able to put the puck past Jordan Binnington for the win.
USA’s Jack Hughes (86) celebrates with USA’s Brady Tkachuk (7) after scoring the game-winning goal against Canada in sudden death overtime during the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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“This is about our country right now. I love the United States,” he said. “I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. USA is a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong and we had so much support from former players. I’m so proud to be an American today.”
