Matthew and Brady Tkachuk have played a major role for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. As they lead the American offense on the ice, their family history has once again drawn interest.
Since their mother, Chantal, was born and raised in Canada, it’s logical to wonder about the brothers’ dual heritage. It also leads us to a question of whether they consider themselves half Canadian.
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk Confirm American Loyalty Despite Canadian Roots
Matthew and Brady were born in the United States, while their mother, Chantal, comes from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Despite this Canadian connection, both brothers strongly identify as Americans.
When asked by former defenseman and current analyst PK Subban about playing for Canada, Matthew said, “No, never in my life. I’m an American person. I would never play for them. I’m as American as it gets. If you ask my brother and my dad, we’ll say the same thing.”
Their father, Keith Tkachuk, enjoyed an 18-season NHL career with teams including the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues. Growing up in a hockey family, Matthew and Brady spent much of their childhood at rinks, observing and learning the game from a young age. These early experiences provided a foundation for their development and eventual professional success.
Both Matthew and Brady went through elite hockey programs. They developed with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and have found success in the NHL. Matthew won two Stanley Cups, and Brady became the captain of the Ottawa Senators. At the Olympics, Matthew serves as Team USA’s alternate captain while Brady plays a physical and impactful role. Despite their mother being Canadian, they have embraced their American roots and have chosen to represent the United States.
As Matthew said, they are proud Americans and are committed to playing for the country where they were born and trained.
READ MORE: Matthew Tkachuk Mercilessly Mocks Oilers Star Leon Draisaitl in Team USA’s 5-1 Win Vs. Germany
Matthew has spoken about the Olympic experience, saying he is “super excited to get in the knockout stage,” while noting the team already feels close despite only a few days together in Milan.
With a perfect 3-0 record in Group C, Team USA will face the winner of the Sweden-Latvia matchup on Feb. 18. The Tkachuk brothers aim to carry their strong play into the quarterfinals as they pursue Olympic gold. This is the first time that they are playing in the Olympics.
