Team USA Star Brady Tkachuk Tested for Drugs After Olympic Gold

Tkachuk had to take a drug test right after celebrating the men's hockey team's Olympic gold medal win.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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After Team USA's thrilling win over Canada in the Olympic gold medal game, Brady Tkachuk was selected for a drug test right away. Tkachuk had to wait an hour and a half to two hours before taking the test, during which time he drank several beers and other beverages. He was able to provide the required urine sample just 10 minutes before the team bus departed, allowing him to join the locker room celebrations.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the strict drug testing protocols that Olympic athletes must follow, even immediately after winning a gold medal. It also provides a glimpse into the wild celebrations that followed Team USA's hockey triumph.

The details

After completing his media obligations, Tkachuk was tapped on the shoulder and informed that he had been selected for a drug test. While players are not required to take the test right away, they must remain under supervision until they do so. Tkachuk opted to wait until the bus was ready to depart, during which time he drank several beers, Powerades, and waters. He was concerned he wouldn't be able to provide the required 90 milliliters of urine, but was able to produce 100 milliliters just 10 minutes before the bus left.

  • After Team USA's gold medal win on Sunday
  • An hour and a half to two hours before the team bus departed

The players

Brady Tkachuk

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

Matthew Tkachuk

Brady Tkachuk's brother, who was also a guest on the 'Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk' podcast where this story was discussed.

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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 (Wingmen with Matthew and 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 (Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk)

What’s next

The Senators returned to action on Thursday, where Tkachuk scored a goal but was left bloodied after a big hit.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the strict drug testing protocols that Olympic athletes must follow, even immediately after winning a gold medal. It provides a glimpse into the wild celebrations that followed Team USA's hockey triumph, and the challenges athletes face in balancing those celebrations with anti-doping requirements.