Even years after his retirement, Keith Tkachuk continues to live vicariously through his sons, Matthew and Brady. Keith did not win a Stanley Cup in his career, but his son, Matthew, has now won consecutive championships with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
Matthew and Brady took a break from being the usual adversaries on ice to play together for their country in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Tkachuks are also slated to go on the cover of the Deluxe edition of NHL 26. But despite all the flash, the two are merely kids to their father.
What Does Keith Tkachuk Really Think About His Sons Beyond Hockey?
In a recent interview with ESPN, Keith Tkachuk admitted that despite his sons’ long list of accomplishments, he is more proud of the people they are off the rink. As a father and a former hockey player, Keith recognizes the competitiveness of the game and why it could get aggressive, but beyond their menacing reputation, Matthew and Brady are really just two great kids who were brought up well.
“They carry themselves well off the ice. They do the things that we taught them growing up. They respect the people around the rink. They’re always very cordial. Now, I can see why people want to punch them in the face on the ice, but they’re great kids. They’re great role models. They’re great brothers. And they’re great sons.”
Furthermore, Keith Tkachuk revealed never-heard-before details about the brothers that many can relate to. Matthew and Brady seem to have an undying love for video games. In the same ESPN interview, the interviewer asked Keith if video games were a big part of their lives when they were growing up.
“Matthew and Brady are the 2026 cover athletes for EA Sports NHL series. Were video games big in the Tkachuk house when they were growing up?”
Three players. One unforgettable name.
The Tkachuks headline the #NHL26 Deluxe Edition cover.
Pre-order to get 7-day early access: https://t.co/L956nhAdGz pic.twitter.com/udDtvO96bK
— NHL (@NHL) August 6, 2025
Keith stated that while they attempted to keep the sons busy, Brady and Matthew played video games whenever they could find the time. Brady has kept his love for video games alive even after becoming a father.
“Now, when I go visit Brady in Ottawa, once he puts his son to bed, he’s right back downstairs playing video games with his buddies.”
During Matthew’s time with the Calgary Flames, Keith confessed that the Panthers standout would stay up all night playing video games.
“And when Matthew was playing in Calgary, I remember getting up to go to the bathroom at 2:00 in the morning and seeing his door closed with the lights flashing underneath it.”
As the brothers pave their way to NHL glory, father Keith Tkachuk continues to lend relentless support and guidance from the background.
