Team USA Hockey Star Completes Drug Test After Olympic Gold Win

Brady Tkachuk had to take a drug test right after the men's hockey team won Olympic gold, but he managed to time it perfectly to avoid missing the celebrations.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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After Team USA's thrilling Olympic gold medal win over Canada, hockey star Brady Tkachuk had to complete a mandatory drug test. Tkachuk revealed he waited until the last minute to take the test so he wouldn't miss any of the locker room celebrations with his teammates. He explained how he strategically timed the test and drank several beverages to ensure he could provide the required urine sample in time before the team bus departed.

Why it matters

Drug testing is a standard protocol for Olympic athletes, but the timing can be tricky, especially when players want to immediately celebrate a big win. Tkachuk's experience highlights the challenges athletes face in balancing anti-doping rules with the desire to enjoy a historic moment with their team.

The details

Tkachuk said he was tapped on the shoulder and informed he had been selected for a drug test right after the gold medal game. Two other players opted to take the test right away, but Tkachuk didn't want to miss any of the celebrations. He waited until the bus was about to leave, about an hour and a half later, to take the test. In that time, he drank several beers, Powerades, and waters, but was worried he wouldn't be able to provide the 90 milliliters of urine required. Ultimately, he was able to provide 100 milliliters just before the bus departed, allowing him to join the team's raucous celebrations.

  • Tkachuk was selected for a drug test immediately after the gold medal game.
  • Tkachuk waited about an hour and a half before taking the test, just before the team bus was set to depart.

The players

Brady Tkachuk

A 26-year-old forward for the Ottawa Senators who played on the gold medal-winning U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics.

Matthew Tkachuk

Brady's brother, who also discussed the drug testing experience on their podcast "Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk".

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What they’re saying

“I get a tap on the shoulder, 'Hello Brady, you've been selected for a drug test,'”

— Brady Tkachuk

“Finally, 10 minutes before the bus (left), I'm like, 'Eff it, I got to gamble, I got to gamble with this one.' And did it, and (it was) 100 milliliters. I was like, 'Thank God,' because if I had to stay there and all the boys left and I had to meet them, I would have been sour.”

— Brady Tkachuk

What’s next

The Senators returned to action on Thursday and lost 2-1 to the Detroit Red Wings in overtime. Tkachuk scored the team's lone goal but was left bloodied after a big hit.

The takeaway

Drug testing is a necessary part of Olympic competition, but the timing can be tricky for athletes eager to celebrate a big win. Tkachuk's experience shows how players must balance anti-doping rules with the desire to enjoy a historic moment with their teammates.