NHL star dishes on Team USA players' American pride: 'Haven't seen that from Americans in general'

1980 USA Olympic gold medal champion Michael Eruzione and former NHL players Mike Modano and Joe Pavelski discuss the 4 Nations final between the United States and Canada on ‘The Will Cain Show.’

Team USA star Matthew Tkachuk said he wanted to show how proud they were to be Americans during the 4 Nations tournament. 

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk joined Travis and Jason Kelce's podcast, where Jason asked the Tkachuk brothers if they knew from the moment the national anthems happened they were going to get into fights with team Canada off of the puck drop. 

"I think that, USA, that team was such a proud group of Americans and wanted to show how united we were and how proud we were to be Americans," Matthew responded. 

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Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk, #19, celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski, #8, his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

"I mean, let’s face it, the last bunch of years you really haven’t seen that from Americans in general, like to show off how proud they are to be a part of the United States. I think that our team did a great job of making a big impact on people from the whole tournament, but especially that game against Canada. Going into a hostile environment and wanting to set the tone in a very tough place against a very great team."

Prior to the now-infamous fights, the Canadian fans booed the United States national anthem, setting up a backdrop for what took place after the puck drop. 

The booing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" began with President Donald Trump’s threat to issue tariffs on Canada and even saying that the country could