It’s been a very memorable few weeks for NHL superstar Matthew Tkachuk. He’s back with the Florida Panthers after a two-week run with USA Hockey at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan.
Headlined by Tkachuk and the rest of their talented roster, Team USA faced off against Team Canada in a thrilling showdown. They came out on top with a 2-1 overtime victory, claiming gold for the first time since 1980.
Now, weeks later, during an appearance on Sean Hannity’s podcast, Tkachuk and his wife Ellie announced that they are expecting their first child together. The couple is still waiting to learn the baby’s sex.
“We aren’t finding out,” he said. “We’re going old-school, which I wasn’t too fond of at first because it’s right there. All we have to do is look.”
More news: Auston Matthews Urged to Demand Trade From Maple Leafs After Being Booed
More news: Bobby Brink Trade to Wild Draws Strong Fan Reactions
When asked about the hope that it might be a boy, and his desire to have a son at some point, the 28-year-old Tkachuk said it’s something they’ll eventually plan for.
“Yes, I mean, at some point, we’d definitely have to have a boy,” Tkachuk told Hannity. “I’ve been explaining to [my wife], because she has just a sister and no brothers, what youth hockey is like. And I think I’m more excited for youth hockey one day than my current hockey right now.”
“Honestly, I can’t wait for the road trips. I can’t wait for the family to come. I can’t wait for the parents to be in the hotel lobby bar at night, talking about the day — just the little things,” he added.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner revealed that he plans to get his child on the ice as soon as possible, teaching them the game that has brought him so much success.
“Oh, I’m lacing them up,” he said. “The second they can at least stand, I’m going to carry them around the ice.