Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are entering the podcast game.
The hockey-playing brothers will debut their talk show, “Wingmen,” on Thursday. Both brothers unveiled the news on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday. They are the first active NHLers to have their own podcast/talk show.
The weekly show will feature conversations with guests, “unfiltered stories,” “sharp takes,” “brotherly banter” and “rare locker room insights.”
“Wingmen” is part of Wave Sports & Entertainment, the same digital group behind the “New Heights” podcast featuring the football-playing Kelce brothers, Travis and Jason; “7PM in Brooklyn” with basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony; and “House of Maher” with rugby star Ilona Maher and her sisters, Olivia and Adrianna.
“We’ve seen what Wave has done with other athletes and were immediately drawn to the idea of building something fresh for hockey fans. Wingmen is our way of bringing people inside our world — the laughs, the banter, the not-so-friendly chirps, and everything in between,” Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk said in the press release.
“We can’t wait to bring fans along for the ride as we go through the NHL season and get ready to suit up together once again for Team USA at the upcoming Winter Olympics,” added Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk.
“Wingmen is exactly the kind of series we love to create, one that will connect fans with two of the most exciting players and personalities in their sport,” said John Kelly, director of strategy at Wave Sports & Entertainment. “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Matthew and Brady to give the audience an inside look into their lives as they navigate this historic year of hockey.”
Matthew told The Athletic in August that he and his brother were approached with opportunities to host a podcast, and even consulted with the Kelces for advice. He added that it was “too early” to determine whether they’d pursue the podcast route, but “maybe one day” they’d follow through.
Both brothers are currently out with injury. Brady is recovering from right thumb surgery after being injured against the Nashville Predators in October, while Matthew is recovering from a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia injury, suffered during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.
The podcast is the latest accomplishment for the pair, as both are featured on the deluxe cover of the “EA Sports NHL 26” video game alongside their father, former NHLer Keith Tkachuk. They have also made various podcast appearances, including on “New Heights” with the Kelce brothers earlier this year.
“We FaceTime pretty much daily, weekly, whatever. Now we’re getting paid to do it,” Matthew said on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“I’m just super excited to grow the game. Our dad always said, ‘You better leave the game in a better place (than) when you got here.’ … This is our best way of doing it.”