St. Louis Native Matthew Tkachuk Named Alternate Captain for Team USA

Tkachuk follows in his father's footsteps as alternate captain for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics in Milan.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Matthew Tkachuk, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, has been named one of the alternate captains for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Tkachuk's father, Keith, previously served as an alternate captain for Team USA in international competitions.

Why it matters

Matthew Tkachuk's selection as an alternate captain for Team USA continues a family legacy of leadership on the international hockey stage. As the son of a former U.S. team alternate captain, Tkachuk's appointment reflects his strong hockey pedigree and the high regard in which he is held by USA Hockey.

The details

In addition to Matthew Tkachuk, the U.S. men's hockey team will feature two other St. Louis-area players - Matthew's brother Brady Tkachuk and Swansea native Clayton Keller. Auston Matthews was named the team's captain, with Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy serving as alternate captains.

  • Matthew Tkachuk was named an alternate captain on February 9, 2026, after the team's first practice together.

The players

Matthew Tkachuk

A St. Louis native who was named an alternate captain for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics.

Keith Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk's father, who previously served as an alternate captain for Team USA in international hockey competitions.

Auston Matthews

The captain of the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics.

Charlie McAvoy

One of the alternate captains for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics, along with Matthew Tkachuk.

Brady Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk's brother, who will be a forward for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics.

Clayton Keller

A forward from Swansea, Illinois who will be playing for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Olympics.

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What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team will continue training and preparing for the 2026 Olympics in Milan, where they will look to win the gold medal.

The takeaway

Matthew Tkachuk's selection as an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics continues his family's legacy of leadership on the international hockey stage, reflecting his strong hockey pedigree and the high regard in which he is held by USA Hockey.