Bill Guerin Confirms Matthew Tkachuk’s Presence on the U.S. Olympic Team
The Team USA general manager, Bill Guerin, has expressed his confidence in Matthew Tkachuk’s participation in the Olympic team that will compete in February.Guerin added that Tkachuk is part of the roster and will remain on it “until he can’t.” Tkachuk, the Panthers’ star forward, underwent surgery this summer to address a persistent injury, and is expected to miss the start of the NHL season. Although the Florida team has not yet made an official announcement about his status, Guerin remains optimistic. Tkachuk was the only player from the U.S. Four Nations team who did not attend this week’s Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Michigan. Guerin revealed that Tkachuk recently called him to inform him of his situation. “He told me what was going on, and it wouldn’t be good for him to get on a plane and fly right now,” Guerin said. “But he was upbeat. He’s always upbeat.” During the Four Nations tournament, Tkachuk suffered an adductor muscle injury and a sports hernia, which forced him to miss most of the final game against Canada and the last 25 games of the NHL regular season. Despite this, he returned for Game 1 of the playoffs and recorded 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 23 games, helping the Panthers win their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Brady Tkachuk, brother of Matthew, was also optimistic about his recovery. “He’s great. He feels good,” said Brady. “I’ve been talking to him almost every day, especially since we’ve been here; he’s had the most FOMO I’ve ever seen him have.” Bill Zito, general manager of the Panthers, is part of Guerin’s management team for Team USA. Guerin commented that Matthew is a key piece in the team’s plans. Matthew Tkachuk was one of the first six players named to the U.S. team, along with his brother Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. Final rosters are due in early January. Each team is entitled to 25 spots, two more than in the Four Nations tournament. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan highlighted Tkachuk’s importance to the team. “I think he represents in many ways the identity of the team and what we are trying to become as a group,” Sullivan said. “He’s a fierce competitor. He cares incredibly about his teammates. We certainly missed him in that last Four Nations game. I know we dressed him on the bench, but I think he played four shifts. He has an impact on the game in many ways.” Brady Tkachuk added that he expects his brother to be in top form after the surgery. “With his preparation and work ethic, he’ll probably be in the best shape he’s ever been in after this surgery.” The Tkachuk brothers stood out in the tournament for Team USA, participating in three fights in the first nine seconds of the first game against Canada at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Matthew Tkachuk explained that the fights were intended to “send a message” that the United States would not be intimidated by their biggest rival. Canada won the Four Nations tournament by defeating the United States in overtime in the final. It should be noted that Olympic hockey prohibits fighting. NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years. For the Americans, the first Olympic gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” of 1980 is at stake.“We are planning and hoping that Matthew Tkachuk will be available,” Guerin stated.
Bill Guerin
