Brady Tkachuk Opens Up About Team USA’s Group Chat and the 4 Nations Face-Off Chaos

In the aftermath of Canada’s victory over Team USA in the 4 Nations Final, the American team members are still making the rounds on various media platforms, reflecting on the intense rivalry and the dramatic moments of the game. While the Canadians celebrated their win, Team USA players, including the Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, have continued to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the tumultuous events leading up to and during the highly charged series.

The Tkachuks, who have become household names in the NHL for their physical play and no-nonsense approach to the game, were central figures in the series, which saw a series of fights that would go down in hockey history. Both Matthew and Brady recently appeared on The Tonight Show and the Spittin’ Chiclets podcasts, respectively, discussing the infamous moments that marked the 4 Nations matchups between Team USA and Canada. While both players are acknowledging the heated tensions that led to several brawls, they aren’t shying away from admitting that media attention played a role in how they approached the rivalry.

The Group Chat That Set the Tone

One of the most talked-about aspects of Team USA’s preparation for the 4 Nations Face-Off was the infamous group chat that spurred a chaotic series of events on the ice. This group chat, a communication channel between the members of Team USA, became notorious for setting the tone for the game against Canada, with the members discussing their intent to play a physical brand of hockey right from the puck drop.

As Brady Tkachuk revealed during his appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, the conversations within the group chat were lighthearted but quickly turned serious as the game loomed closer. Brady recalled how he and his teammates, including Matthew Tkachuk and J.T. Miller, were joking about the possibility of fighting at the start of the game—something that would set the tone for the rest of the match.

“We were just kind of joking around, but then we really wanted to fight,” Brady explained. “Matthew said he was going to go after Brandon Hagel right off the drop, and I was supposed to go after Sam Bennett. Miller and Parayko agreed to drop their gloves during warmups. It was kind of set up from the start.”

The Dramatic Start to the Game

The stage was set for a physically charged encounter, and the 4 Nations Face-Off did not disappoint. The game between Team USA and Canada kicked off with a melee in the very first nine seconds. As the players took their positions, the anticipation of a hard-hitting showdown was palpable, and the stage was set for an explosive start.

The first few seconds of the game saw Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel drop their gloves in a fight at center ice. The intensity was immediately apparent, with both players exchanging blows, much to the excitement of the fans in Montreal’s Bell Centre. Brady, who had been nervously anticipating his brother’s bout, recalled the feeling of watching the fight unfold.

“I’m not gonna lie to you, I was so nervous for Matthew’s fight,” Brady admitted. “I’m thinking, ‘Okay, center ice, I can’t have you getting your ass kicked.’ I was trying to give him advice, but all I could really say was, ‘Yeah! F–ing right, yeah!’”

Despite Brady’s nerves, the fight between Matthew and Hagel was just the beginning of a series of brawls that defined the opening moments of the game. The aggression didn’t stop there, with Brady Tkachuk quickly following up with a fight against Sam Bennett. The two dropped their gloves, bringing even more physicality to the game. The stage was set for what would become one of the most memorable matchups in the 4 Nations series.

The Villain Role and the Home Crowd’s Energy

While the on-ice chaos unfolded, Team USA knew that the crowd in Montreal would be on the side of the home team, Canada. The Bell Centre, packed with passionate fans, was loud and energetic, and Team USA was preparing for the perception of being the “villains” of the contest. However, the American players were not deterred. Instead, they embraced their role, using it as fuel to create an atmosphere of intimidation right from the start of the game.

“The group chat kind of helped set the tone,” Brady explained. “We knew the home crowd would be behind Canada, so we had to make a statement early. We wanted to show them we weren’t intimidated and that we were here to play physical, no matter what. It’s part of the game, and sometimes you need to send that message early.”

The atmosphere was electrifying, with each fight only adding to the tension and excitement. Brady and Matthew, along with the other members of Team USA, were more than willing to engage in the physical play, setting the tone for what would be a highly intense, emotional game.

A Game Defined by Fights and Physicality

As the game progressed, the tension only heightened. The series of fights, especially the infamous trio of brawls that took place in the opening moments of the game, set a precedent for how the rest of the match would unfold. What started as a physical confrontation between the Tkachuk brothers and their Canadian counterparts quickly evolved into a full-blown display of raw hockey emotion, with players from both teams dropping their gloves and engaging in some of the most intense exchanges seen in recent memory.

While Team USA’s aggressive play was certainly a topic of discussion, it was clear that the strategy was not just about physical dominance—it was about making a statement. As the game wore on, it became evident that both teams were willing to push the boundaries of traditional hockey play, with each side using their physicality to assert dominance.

Brad Marchand’s Comments and the Media Backlash

While the Tkachuk brothers were candid about the group chat and the resulting fights, not everyone was impressed with the approach. NHL veteran Brad Marchand, known for his own feisty play, commented that Team USA might have been too focused on the media attention and the “theatrics” rather than just playing the game. This remark sparked a wave of debate, with fans and analysts debating whether the media circus surrounding the Tkachuks was overshadowing their on-ice performance.

When Brady was asked about Marchand’s comments, he didn’t deny the criticism, but he also didn’t back down from their approach. “We were just having fun and being ourselves,” Brady said. “We knew it was a big game, and we wanted to make sure we came out strong. I don’t think the media stuff is the issue—it’s just part of the game, and we were trying to set a tone.”

What’s Next for Team USA?

While Team USA ultimately fell short in the final game of the 4 Nations, losing to Canada, the series was a clear demonstration of their toughness and ability to engage in the physical aspects of the game. The Tkachuk brothers, along with their teammates, played with intensity and passion, doing everything in their power to show that they weren’t afraid to take on the rivalry headfirst.

Looking ahead, both Matthew and Brady know that the media circus surrounding the team may not die down any time soon. The combination of their physical play, the infamous group chat, and the constant media exposure has put them squarely in the spotlight. But despite the attention, they remain focused on what really matters—playing their game and representing their country with pride.

As the brothers continue to take on high-profile media rounds, it’s clear that they’re not backing down from the drama. Instead, they’re embracing it, knowing that as long as they remain true to their style of play, the drama will only fuel their passion for the game even more. And as the rivalry between Canada and Team USA intensifies, hockey fans around the world will be watching, waiting to see what happens next in this thrilling saga.