Brady and Matthew Tkachuk have emerged as poster boys for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.
The White House’s official X account reposted a video of the captain of the Ottawa Senators and brother, an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers, speaking about the honour of playing for Team USA in the Olympic tourney, which gets underway on Wednesday.
“To be able to represent the USA, at this stage, in the Olympics is one of the greatest honours that I’ve ever had,” Brady said. “I’m truly grateful to be here representing the red, white and blue.”
Matthew added how much it meant for him to be in Milan.
“It means the world,” the two-time Stanley Cup champion said. “It’s a whirlwind of emotions, flying here this morning, hanging out in the Village all day and then getting fitted for our clothes and meeting all the athletes. I’m really enjoying the experience and having a lot of fun.”
The post by the White House came in retaliation after comments by American Olympic skier Hunter Hess on Sunday, where he expressed “mixed emotions representing the U.S. right now” at the Games.
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“U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. Very hard to root for someone like this.”
The Tkachuk brothers are following in the footsteps of their father, Keith, who suited up for Team USA at three Winter Olympics from 1998 to 2006.
Brady and Matthew were a force to be reckoned with at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February in Montreal and Boston.