Brady Tkachuk admits to ‘hatred’ as US and Canada prepare for Olympic men’s ice hockey final | Winter Olympics 2026
The United States and Canada prepare for a heated men’s ice hockey final on Sunday as their longtime rivals battle for gold at the Winter Olympics.
This year’s Olympics mark the first time NHL players have competed in the Winter Games since 2014, meaning many of the world’s best players will compete on Sunday. While Canada is the betting favorite – and has won the most ice hockey gold medals in Olympic history – American players say they are motivated to upset their northern neighbors.
“There is hatred there,” American Brady Tkachuk told ESPN on Saturday. “I mean, they’ve been the best. They’ve been the best the last few years, and for us, we want to be in that position, to be the best. So it’s going to be a game that I think a lot of guys could say is the greatest game they’ve ever played in.”
The rivalry between the teams has heated up recently, especially as political tensions have increased between Canada and the United States. During last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Canadian fans booed the American anthem and there were several fights on the ice.
Canada’s Connor McDavid admitted there was even more excitement when his team faced the United States.
“This is the match that everyone wanted and hoped for, and it will be a great match,” he said. “It now comes down to a game between two teams. It’s a hockey game and we’re excited about that. Team Canada taking on Team USA in a hockey game – that’s what it is.
On Thursday, the United States beat Canada to win gold in the women’s tournament. American Vincent Trocheck said the victory added a little more motivation to the men.
“I mean, we saw the girls win,” Trocheck told ESPN. “Obviously winning gold for the United States and if we can beat Canada on Sunday, it’s just going to be a blank slate and I mean, that’s what everyone is here for.”
The status of Canada’s captain, Sidney Crosby, is still uncertain. The 38-year-old has won two Olympic gold medals and three Stanley Cups, but did not play in his team’s semifinal victory over Finland due to a knee injury. Canada coach Jan Cooper said he would wait until the last minute before making a decision on Crosby’s participation.
“We’ll see. I saw him skating today and we’ll meet tonight,” Cooper said. “He won’t put himself in danger, and he won’t put the team in danger.”
The United States’ last gold medal in Olympic men’s ice hockey was in 1980. Canada’s last gold medal was in 2014, when they retained the title they won in 2010.
