© Tracey Myers

ST. LOUIS — Matthew Tkachuk remembers visiting family in Boston, the first stop usually being the North End fire department where his grandfather, John Tkachuk, was the chief.

On Thursday, the Florida Panthers forward chuckled as he expressed, “We used to have fun riding the pole and trying on the hat, and occasionally we’d sneak in a ride even though it might not have been permitted. It was an incredibly cool experience, and to this day, whenever I encounter firefighters, whether they’re on duty or not, I never miss the chance to greet them.”

On Thursday, as Tkachuk celebrated his day with the Stanley Cup, he made sure to visit the Brentwood Fire Department, situated approximately 15 minutes west of his hometown in Brentwood, Missouri.

Last month, Tkachuk had a delightful day as he contributed to the Panthers’ victory in the Stanley Cup Championship. Throughout the regular season, he accumulated an impressive 61 points, consisting of 24 goals and 37 assists, in 71 games. Additionally, in the playoffs, Tkachuk added 22 points to his record, including six goals and 16 assists, in 24 games.

His time with the Cup actually began Wednesday, when he took it to lunch at Grassi’s Ristorante in Frontenac, Missouri, about 15 minutes west of St. Louis.

He took the Cup to his elementary school, Villa Duchesne in St. Louis, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and the Brentwood police and fire departments on Thursday.

He expressed, “It has been an incredible experience. I’m striving to strike a balance between incorporating everything I desire and cherishing moments with my loved ones. The journey has been fantastic thus far, and I’m confident that the day will only get better.”

© Tracey Myers

This time at the fire department, there was no pole riding involved. However, Tkachuk did make an attempt to wear a fireman’s hat, jokingly mentioning that it was a bit tight due to his big head. He happily posed for pictures alongside the firemen and their families, proudly displaying the Cup both inside the department and in front of one of the fire trucks.

According to Brentwood assistant fire chief Ed Beirne, he expressed his surprise at his staff’s reaction when he informed them that Tkachuk would be visiting with the Cup, stating, “I was amazed to see their eyes and mouths widen even further.”

Beirne expressed his gratitude at being considered, stating, “We feel truly honored to have been taken into account,” as his grandson, Faris, was chosen to be featured in one of the pictures for the Cup.

Even though we are aware that the Tkachuk family is deeply rooted in the Brentwood community, their pursuit of winning the Cup is a monumental endeavor. It is truly remarkable that they chose to include us in their celebration by sharing their day with the Cup, even though their time with it is limited. This act of inclusivity brings immense joy to the dedicated staff and assembled family, highlighting the exceptional bond between public safety and the NHL. The NHL is more than just a sport; it is a family-oriented activity that resonates with all of us who have had the opportunity to play it. The Tkachuk family’s gesture serves as a testament to the unity and closeness that this sport fosters.

© Tracey Myers

Tkachuk arrived at the police department with his immediate family, which included his brother Brady, who serves as the captain of the Ottawa Senators. Also accompanying them was their father Keith, a former NHL forward who amassed an impressive 1,065 points (538 goals and 527 assists) throughout his career spanning 1,201 games with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, Atlanta Thrashers, and St. Louis Blues.

Brady and Matthew were catching up after their early-morning training session.

Brady chuckled and said, “I can’t simply rely on riding his coattails. I need to start preparing for the upcoming season.”

Witnessing our childhood dream come to life, observing Matthew’s pure happiness, excitement, fulfillment, and satisfaction up close and personal is truly incredible. It has been an awe-inspiring experience, igniting within me a strong determination to also provide such joy for my loved ones.

As Matthew approached the Cup, individual officers and staff members hesitantly joined him for photos.

Brentwood police chief Joseph Spiess Jr. expressed that anyone familiar with hockey understands the revered status of the Cup; hence, there is apprehension about laying hands on it.

“The Tkachuk family holds a significant influence in Brentwood. We not only have the privilege of safeguarding them but also partake in their moments of joy, which is truly remarkable for us. The majority of individuals residing in this establishment are avid supporters, with a particular fondness for sports, especially hockey.”

Matthew appreciated the fact that, for the first time in history, the names of the Vegas Golden Knights were engraved on the Cup before players and staff had their individual days with it, after the team’s victorious triumph in 2023.

Matthew expressed that having the Tkachuk name on the Cup is a tremendously special experience for his family, as hockey has been ingrained in their blood for generations. The presence of grandparents and extended family members at his house, witnessing this achievement, adds to the significance of the moment.

By midday Thursday, the family had claimed exclusive ownership of the Cup. Following their barbecue feast, Brady, Keith, Taryn (Matthew’s sister), Chantal (mom), and Ellie Connell (Matthew’s fiancée) each had their chance to savor a sip of beer from the Cup.

© Tracey Myers

After a victorious Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers, Tkachuk and his fellow Panthers teammates decided to celebrate with the Stanley Cup. Their destination of choice was Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they arrived on June 25. One of their stops was the popular Elbo Room, a beachside bar where Tkachuk proudly showcased the Cup. To make the moment even more memorable, Tkachuk took the Cup for a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

However, there is a unique and significant aspect to bringing it back to your hometown.

Keith expressed his disbelief, stating that the reality of the situation had not fully registered with him yet. He explained how immensely enjoyable it had been to witness Matthew sharing the Cup with others, emphasizing that this experience held more significance than merely winning. Keith proudly acknowledged that Matthew’s strong connection to the community and his enthusiasm to be involved had led him to take the Cup to various places, garnering immense love and support from everyone. Keith concluded by stating that they were all thoroughly enjoying this remarkable experience.