The 4-Nations Cup’s excitement is real for the Tkachuk brothers. As they push themselves forward into the tournament, they just seem to be involved in it deeply—they don’t even have time to pick up their dad’s call! Probably, the practice session is hitting them hard. 

Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk are in high spirits as they embrace the intensity of this championship. In their recent matches, they have just been exceptional! “I think it was better than all those dreams we had,” said Brady, reflecting upon their victory against the Finns. A 6-1 victory it was for the US. And with the Canadians, we all know what a show it has been so far. Their father described, “And I’m proud of them. They’re always team-first guys. It was great for the crowd, it was great for the game, and it was great for USA,” considering his sons’ performances in that match. Well, what he meant was the fight that took place on the rink! 

But it is also true that Keith Tkachuk has been losing his mind recently! Why? The boys have been ignoring their dad ever since they arrived in Montreal and joined the rest of their mates for the massive clash! Keith was worried because this behaviour of his sons seemed unusual to him, as they all spoke regularly. In a conversation with Jackie Redmond in her show, Keith expressed his ironic pleasure for his sons trying to ice him out! He said, “Because we have that relationship, they call me or I call them. I called them the last couple days when they were together. Yep. Didn’t even answer my phone calls. Didn’t do it. They were icing me out, and I know it was Matthew saying, ‘let’s ice dad out’.” Does it mean that the boys have been ghosting their dad? If it is, then it’s actually too cold! 

Even their mother, Chantal Tkachuk, had the same thoughts! She said, “I think the boys got here on Sunday, and I don’t think Keith heard from them maybe till Wednesday, and he was, like, losing his mind, and I think it then became just a joke that, like, they were purposely icing him just to have fun.”  

While they think their sons are just trying to prank their parents, Keith added another interesting humor to his statement. “And I’m telling you, and I heard from somebody else’s dad that happened.” Looks like the entire team is up on following some trends, like trying to ‘ice out families!’ Maybe they just have their minds fully occupied with the 4-Nations Championship- shifting their focus to the games. Afterall, team USA already achieved a milestone as they defeated Canada in Montreal! And, as they move ahead with another rematch in a short time, they have to fit into their competitive mindsets and pull away all kinds of distractions, even if it has to be their families. Right? 

Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Tkachuk add to the family legacy! 

It’s a moment of pride for the family that has been associated with the sport for a long time! Just have a look at the prestige that the Tkachuks hold! Keith has been a professional player himself who represented America, and now that both his sons are on the same team, playing together to represent the nation, it just gives one goosebumps, you know, to feel the vibe. The moment is just so special! 

But for the Tkachuk family, it has been more of an emotional thing. And for the father? It is even more heart-touching as his sons are stepping into the legacy that he himself walked upon at one time. It was back in 1996 when he and his teammates knocked off a star-laden Canadian team in the Hockey World Cup! Hence, to compare, this latest win has been a significant one at the NHL level of competition after 29 years! That’s a legacy of almost three decades now, and the Tkachuk brothers lead it, this time. 

If we look around, NHL is full of brotherly bonds. But this one has been nothing short of unique as the sons of the former NHL player have made their way to represent their nation, together, just like their father. And, if the USA lifts the trophy tonight, history will repeat and it will be a moment full of pride and joy for the Tkachuk family, as their sons defeat the nation’s historic rival! Well maybe, it would then be more cleared for why Brady and Matthew Tkachuk had been icing out their dad, isn’t it?