Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk said he would show how proud they were to be Americans under the 4 Nations tournament.
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk joined Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast, where Jason asked the Tkachuk brothers if they were going to come in matches with Team Canada out of Puck Drop from the moment the national hymns were going to match.
“I think the US, that team was such a proud group of Americans and would show where united we were and how proud we were to be Americans,” Matthew replied.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
Team USA Forward Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates with defender Zach Werenski, #8, his goal against Team Finland during the third period during a 4 Nations Face-off Ice Hockey Game in Bell Center on February 13, 2025. (David Kirouac-Preferred Pictures)
“I mean, let’s realize it, the last bunch of years that you really haven’t seen it from Americans in general, like to show how proud they are to be part of the United States. I think our team did a great job of making a big impact on people from all over the tournament, but especially that game against Canada. Going into a hostile environment and would put the tone of a very tough place against a very good team.”
Before the now infamous battles, the Canadian fans lived the American national anthem and created a background for what took place after the pucking.
Booing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” began with President Donald Trump’s threat of issuing tariffs in Canada and even saying that the country could become the “51st state.” It has been common for Boos to be heard during the US national anthem.
Both Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators fans have booed US’s national anthem since the customs were to begin.
NHL star Matthew Tkachuk reflects over 4 Nations Final: ‘We are so lucky to be from this great country’
Canadas Brandon Hagel, #38, and US Matthew Tkachuk, #19, fight in the first period 4 Nations Face-off Hockey Games in Montreal on Saturday, February 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/the Canadian press via AP)
The tariffs have since pause.
Matthew, who added the political background to what was already a highly expected matchup, said that Brady and colleague JT Miller talked about fighting right away to set the tone.
“It made me very proud to play for that team at that moment. You know how united we were like I said, a hostile environment. At the end of the day, a match is a match you go there for Matthew said during his performance on” new heights. “
“It really made me proud to be honest with you and even people since the tournament, it’s all their talk about. How proud they were over our team and how United we were and how we were an inspiration to them and I think it comes from all over the tournament, but that’s what makes me most proud.”
Team United States Forward Matthew Tkachuk, #19, and Team Canada Forward Brandon Hagel, #38, fight in the first period in a 4 Nations Face-off Ice Hockey Game in Bell Center. (Eric Bolt-Preferred Pictures)
Matthew talked earlier about how grateful he is to be an American during a trip to the White House when he was part of Florida Panthers Stanley Cup-winning team last season.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We really appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans who love this country so much, it’s such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So thank you,” Tkachuk said.
Next time Team USA will have a chance to show his pride on the ice will come at the 2026 Olympic Games, where they appear to avenge their 4 nations loss to Canada.
