Published 2024-05-10 19.03
share-arrowDela
unsaveSpara
OSTRAVA Brady Tkachuk had the third most tackles and the second most ejections in the NHL.
The American power forward is a big threat against Tre Kronor in the first match at the WC.
– I will play my game right from the start and be tough to face, I will be physical and create momentum for my team, says the 24-year-old.
Brady Tkachuk had 99 more tackles than the best Swede, 294 tackles against 195 tackles for Rasmus Dahlin.
134 suspension minutes were 53 more than any Swede, Andreas Englund had 81 suspension minutes.
The big Tkachuk hockey family is notorious in the hockey world for its provocations, snarky playing style and cocky statements.
Big brother Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers was involved in a big fight with Czech superstar David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins the day before the World Cup opener in the Czech Republic.
In the stands, father Keith Tkachuk could be seen tanning well and giving the thumbs up to those around him.
“The big dogs at the gate”
Brady Tkachuk, who is 193 centimeters tall and weighs 96 kilograms, is at the same time in Ostrava as one of the World Cup’s biggest stars.
For him, the plan is clear against Tre Kronor profiles such as Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson.
expand-left
full screen Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/AP
– They are among the very biggest names in the NHL at the moment and they are so for a reason. We have to play as hard and tough as possible against them, we have to be as physical as possible. My role is to step forward when the team needs it. You will have to wait and see. It is among the best defenders in the world, so we also have to take advantage of our scoring chances, says Brady Tkachuk.
During the season, Victor Hedman has been voted by the other players in the NHL as the toughest player to face in his own zone.
– He is tough, he wins the fights. He is big but can skate at the same time and has a good shot. It is a complete player that we must try to stop. The first game will be really fun, for both teams. It’s the big dogs waiting right at the gate. It will be important for both teams to win, says Brady Tkachuk.
“Come for big games”
The Ottawa Senators missed their seventh straight Stanley Cup playoff appearance, the sixth straight for Brady Tkachuk who has captained the last three seasons.
Now he will represent the USA for the first time at senior level, after previously taking U18 gold and JVM bronze for his home country.
expand-left
full screen Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/AP
While father Keith Tkachuk played four Olympics and two World Cups for the American colors.
– It was disappointing that the season didn’t last that long, so I wanted to come here for big matches with more nerves and emotions. There was no doubt about coming here. After this we have three months off, so now we can give it our all. It will be fun and exciting. We’ve done some training and we’re starting to find the chemistry between us. We have a really good team and have high hopes, says Brady Tkachuk.
Appreciate the help from Alfie
For him, this is a first step with what awaits in the form of the 4 Nations in 2025 and the Olympics in Milan in 2026 with the NHL players in place.
– It is a dream that will come true with the teams that will come to play and to play for their country. This is a chance to show off in terms of playing qualities, personality and leadership qualities, says Brady Tkachuk.
The Swede for whom he has the greatest respect is Daniel Alfredsson, legend and assistant coach in the Ottawa Senators.
– He helps me continue to learn about the game. It’s a great honor to know someone who was so great and so smart in his game, I try to use his brain, says Brady Tkachuk.
The only time the USA won World Cup gold in ice hockey was in 1933, precisely in Prague.
So it is sacred hockey ground for both nations, Sweden and the USA are also considered in advance to be the biggest favorites in the championship with the strongest teams on paper.
