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Kyle Okposo reveals Matthew Tkachuk's lighter side with heartwarming tale involving his son
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk is clever and gritty on the ice. But off it, he is completely different.
Teammate Kyle Okposo recently discussed Tkachuk's off-ice personality in the latest episode of Spittin Chiclets podcast with hosts Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney.
Okposo shared a story involving Tkachuk and his son, Odin, a day after the Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in their 30th season in the NHL.
"The best part for me about Chucky is how he treated my son," Okposo said. "Chucky saw a lot of himself in my oldest son, so he took extra time to talk with him."
Okposo delved into details about the special bond that Matthew Tkachuk shared with his kid. He said it was something he will never forget.
"We were at his house the day after we won the cup, and I remember walking over and seeing Chucky sitting on the couch, just chatting with him," Okposo shared. "They probably talked for an hour. He loved being with my kids, and the way he treated them was phenomenal. It's something I'll never forget."
Okposo won his first Stanley Cup on June 24 with the Panthers. This victory came after 17 seasons and 1,051 regular-season games, with the same franchise he saw get swept in 1996.
Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers' first Stanley Cup win
Matthew Tkachuk showed next-level focus at the start of Florida Panthers' 2022-23 season. He got traded from the Calgary Flames to the Panthers in the summer of 2022.
In his first season playing for the Panthers, Tkachuk entered his career's first Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost to the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in the best-of-seven series.
Fast forward to the Stanley Cup Final 2024, and this time, Panthers and Tkachuk were both prepared to win. They faced the Edmonton Oilers, who had made it to the Final after an impressive regular season and playoff run.
However, Tkachuk and the Panthers defeated them to secure their first Stanley Cup Championship win. Matthew Tkachuk dedicated the win to his parents Keith and Chantal:
"When I left the house to come to the game, I said I was going to win this one for Mom and Dad," Tkachuk said. "I’m glad it came to fruition." (via NHL.com)
Keith played in the NHL for 18 years but he missed the opportunity to lift the cup. But his son, Matthew, has finally engraved their surname on the Stanley cup.
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