Episode XXXII: 5x NHL All-Star and USA Hockey legend Keith Tkachuk

The 32nd edition of Whe're They At features 5-time National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star and United States Hockey Hall of Famer, Keith Tkachuk. Keith played 19 seasons in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes, Atlanta Thrashers and St. Louis Blues. He was the FIRST U.S. born player to lead the NHL in goals (1996-97 season) with the Coyotes and is 1 of 5 American-born players to score 500 career goals. One of the most decorated players in United States Hockey history, he represented the USA on EIGHT different teams including the Gold medal winning team in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and the Silver medal team in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was inducted into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. Currently, Keith is Director of Player Recruitment for the Blues as well as the proud father of NHL All-Stars, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. He also has a daughter who is an elite field hockey player, committed to the University of Virginia. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Keith on a myriad of topics including:                      

 

01:50-How is his family doing during the COVID-19 pandemic?                          

02:28-Is his daughter, Taryn a better athlete than his NHL All-Star sons, Matthew and Brady?                

 

03:14-As a father, he is glad for the safety of his son, Matthew at the NHL bubble in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.                       

 

04:21-Good to have his youngest son, Brady at home with him now.                           

 

05:24-His approach to exposing his sons to hockey, making sure to not put pressure on them.                  

 

06:32-Reflects on the celebratory weekend of his sons playing at the 2020 NHL All-Star Game in their hometown of St. Louis this past January.                    

 

08:00-Being proud of his sons' passionate and vigorous play, no matter the criticism.                    

 

09:59-Do Keith's sons train with him during the offseason?                        

10:23-How tense would it be if his sons played each other in a Stanley Cup Final?                    

 

12:16-On the legacy that the late Hall of Famer, Dale Hawerchuk left on the NHL.                     

 

14:50-On growing up in Melrose, Massachusetts and what made him want to become a hockey player.                        

 

17:14-During his younger days, his cousin and future NHL player, Tom Fitzgerald inspired Keith.                     

 

18:46-On adjusting to playing in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) as a young pro.                    

 

20:24-Names the veteran players that advised him.                     

 

22:26-His feelings on being voted team captain at age 21 with the Winnipeg Jets.                

 

23:52-On the tension with the Winnipeg Jets as he signed an offer sheet with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1995.                  

 

25:02-On the United States expansion in the NHL in the 1990's.                   

26:58-Reminisces on Jerry Colangelo's influence, bringing the Winnipeg Jets to Phoenix (becoming the Coyotes).                      

 

28:06-Was the 1996 U.S. World Cup of Hockey team the greatest American squad ever assembled?                    

 

29:53-The goalie position is pressure packed, especially during the Stanley Cup playoffs.                   

 

31:22-On his career revival in St. Louis.                         

 

33:12-The factors that made him stay and raise his family in St. Louis.                      

 

34:23-On the bittersweet 2002 U.S. Olympic hockey team's Silver medal result on U.S. soil (Salt Lake City, UT).                    

 

35:15-Balancing being the scorer and muscle on a team.                   

36:27-Are there any current players similar to him in his prime?                      

37:32-His thoughts on not being a Hockey Hall of Famer.                   

39:32-His younger cousin, Kevin Hayes is playing well for the Stanley Cup contender, Philadelphia Flyers.                    

 

40:17-Praises Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault as he started as a scout when Keith played in the St. Louis in the 2000s decade.                    

41:30-What does the NHL need to do to bring more visibility?                     

43:30-Praises Columbus Blue Jackets All-Star Defenseman Seth Jones and Jack Adams Coach of the Year Finalist John Tortorella.                       

45:54-On his current position of Director of Player Recruitment with the St. Louis Blues.                 

 

47:52-What happened to the Blues as they lost in the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the Edmonton 'Bubble'?                      

 

50:06-Keith's picks for the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.                       

 

50:51-POWER PLAY segment of random questions for Keith (his son, Brady made a surprise appearance).               

 

56:53-Keith's All-Time United States Hockey starting lineup.                            

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com