Matthew Tkachuk continues to draw attention after Team USA’s gold medal run at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
On Thursday, before the Panthers faced the Maple Leafs, a ceremony honored the American gold medalists. During the event, Tkachuk skated over to 101-year-old WWII veteran Jim Selino and shared a moment that quickly went viral.
B/R Open Ice posted the clip on X, praising the gesture. Tkachuk later responded online, thanking the U.S. military and first responders. He wrote that the Olympic team spoke daily about playing for them and giving everything on the ice.
“Thank you to all of the 🇺🇸 military! This was for all of you!,” Tkachuk wrote on X. “Thank you for doing everything that you do so that we can play the game that we love! Our Olympic Team 🇺🇸 talked daily about playing our hearts out for the military and all first responders!”
The message reflected the unity that carried the Americans through an unbeaten 6-0 run in Milan.
Tkachuk played a key role in that title. He recorded six assists in six games and ranked second on the team in helpers. Though he did not score, coaches credited his physical style and vision as essential parts of the group’s edge. He lined up alongside his brother Brady and Jack Eichel on the top unit.
Team USA beat Sweden in overtime in the quarterfinals and handled Slovakia in the semifinals. In the gold medal game, the Americans edged Canada 2-1 in overtime. Matt Boldy opened the scoring, Cale Makar tied it, and Jack Hughes buried the winner. Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves to seal the victory.
The Panthers also shared Tkachuk’s video with Sileno:
Also read: “We Love Our Country”: Dylan Larkin Celebrates Team USA’s Golden Return
Matthew Tkachuk and Panthers defeat the Maple Leafs
The celebration carried into Thursday’s matchup, but the Panthers quickly led the game.
Brad Marchand opened the scoring just 3:18 into the first period, giving Florida early control. Carter Verhaeghe made it 2-0 later in the frame. Evan Rodrigues added a short-handed goal to push the lead to 3-0 before intermission.
John Tavares got Toronto on the board in the second period. Florida answered late, as Marchand scored into the empty net with 3:09 remaining. Tkachuk capped the night with another empty-net goal at 1:52.
Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 shots in the 5-1 win. The Panthers (30-25-3) kept their playoff hopes alive, while Toronto slipped further in the standings.