Brady Tkachuk celebrates after the United States defeated Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday.Petr David Josek/The Associated Press
As political debates swirl outside their locker room, the Ottawa Senators remain focused on the priority inside of it.
Captain Brady Tkachuk and teammate Jake Sanderson, fresh off winning gold with the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, were in Washington to meet President Donald Trump, attended the State of the Union address Tuesday night and visited the White House.
Both are expected back in Ottawa on Wednesday night and in the lineup Thursday when the Senators host the Detroit Red Wings.
However, Tkachuk’s welcome might not be as warm as one might expect.
Since the 2-1 overtime victory over Canada, Tkachuk has drawn attention for some of his off-ice activity. He and his older brother Matthew, also a member of the U.S. team, shared a photo on their podcast’s social media account depicting a bride with American flag face paint alongside six bridesmaids painted with Canadian face paint and one with German flag colours.
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The post sparked criticism from some Senators fans, who voiced their disappointment online.
Wednesday night Tkachuk, his brother and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck were on Fox News and Brady was asked about the anticipated reception from Ottawa fans.
“Yeah, they’re not the happiest with me right now,” Tkachuk said. “I’ll just go back, give them everything that I’ve got. It’s a funny feeling when you feel their support every day and then you get to two weeks and you’re public enemy No. 1. So, going back with a smile on my face and getting ready for a playoff push.”
Head coach Travis Green was asked if he was concerned about the politics having any impact on the team and its dynamics.
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green looks on from behind the bench as his team takes on the Carolina Hurricanes in a game earlier this month.James Guillory/Reuters
“Not one bit,” said Green. “This isn’t about politics. I’m not going to stand and talk about personal political views and I’m sure they’re not doing that either. This is about them celebrating a big win for them and something that they’ve probably dreamed of for a long time. I don’t look at it like they’re making a political statement by any means.”
Players were taken aback that so much is being made into Tkachuk choosing to attend the celebrations in Washington.
“At the end of the day they won the gold medal and they got offered to go meet the president of their own country and some of the guys took it, some of the guys didn’t and that’s all I have for you, honestly,” said defenceman Thomas Chabot.
“The goal for them was to bring back some hardware home and they got that done and everything that’s on the outside of that I don’t pay too much attention to it, honestly. We’re just mostly proud for a teammate that they’re bringing back a gold medal.”
Claude Giroux said it’s no surprise Tkachuk would choose to be in Washington.
“I mean he’s American,” said Giroux. “Maybe I’m missing something here, but, you know, he went to the Olympics for his country and the president invited him. I think I’m missing something so I’m not going to comment on it.”
Green fully expects both Tkachuk and Sanderson will want to build off the momentum from the Olympic gold performance.
“I’m excited for our players that they had that opportunity, but I also know both players well and how badly they want to win here,” said Green. “So, I don’t see that being a problem.”
Ottawa currently sits six points back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild card with 25 games remaining.