Bill Guerin Confirms Matthew Tkachuk’s Presence on the U.S. Olympic Team
Team USA general manager Bill Guerin has expressed his confidence in Matthew Tkachuk’s participation in the Olympic ice hockey team that will compete in February. Guerin indicated that, unless unexpected changes arise, Tkachuk will be available for the tournament. The player is currently in the process of recovering from surgery performed this summer to treat a persistent injury. Tkachuk is expected to miss the start of the NHL season due to his recovery. Tkachuk, who was the only member of the U.S. Four Nations team who did not attend the Olympic orientation camp this week in Plymouth, Michigan, kept in touch with Guerin, informing him of his progress.Tkachuk suffered an adductor muscle injury and a sports hernia during the Four Nations tournament, which prevented him from playing most of the last game against Canada and the last 25 games of the NHL regular season. Despite these injuries, Tkachuk returned for the first playoff game and scored 23 points in 23 games, helping the Panthers win their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Brady Tkachuk, brother of Matthew, commented on his positive state of mind and his recovery. Bill Zito, Panthers general manager, is also part of Guerin’s management staff for Team USA. Guerin highlighted Matthew’s importance to the team. 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 must be submitted in early January. Each team is entitled to 25 roster spots, two more than in the Four Nations tournament. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan highlighted Tkachuk’s importance to the team and his ability to represent the team’s identity. Brady Tkachuk added that he expects his brother to be in top form after the surgery, thanks to his preparation and work ethic. The Tkachuk brothers stood out in the tournament, even organizing fights in the first seconds of the match against Canada. Matthew Tkachuk stated that these fights aimed to send a message that the United States would not be intimidated by their rival. Canada won the Four Nations tournament by defeating the U.S. in overtime in the final match. It should be noted that fighting is prohibited in Olympic hockey. NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, and for the Americans, the quest for their first Olympic gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” of 1980 is at stake.He told me what was going on, and it wouldn’t be good for him to get on a plane and fly right now. So he didn’t need to be here. But he was optimistic. He’s always optimistic.
Bill Guerin
