Matthew Tkachuk visits Jayson Tatum and his alma mater, children's hospital and other iconic Missouri spots on Stanley Cup day

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jul 19, 2024 10:30 GMT

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk is reveling in the joy of the Stanley Cup celebration. The St. Louis native brought Lord Stanley to his hometown for his championship celebration.

Tkachuk's day with the coveted trophy was filled with family, including festivities at OB Clark's, before heading to St. Louis Children's Hospital and touching many by spreading joy and smiles.

Matthew Tkachuk has strong family ties in St. Louis, including his dad Keith being a Blues Hall of Famer. Additionally, Tkachuk and his siblings Brady and Taryn grew up in the city, where the three of them went to school in St. Louis.

Tkachuk's plans for the day involved visits to the police department, viewing some famous sites in Missouri, and celebrating with family and friends at local businesses. The Panthers star took to Instagram to share snaps from his visit to St. Louis with the Stanley Cup.

Mathew Tkachuk (Tkachuk Instagram)

Matthew Tkachuk (Tkachuk Instagram)

Tkachuk celebrated the Stanley Cup by making a meaningful visit to Jayson Tatum's alma mater, Chaminade College Preparatory School. Both Tkachuk and Tatum attended the school in Missouri.

Matthew Tkachuk (Tkachuk Instagram)

When Tkachuk's father Keith was playing for the Blues, he paved the way for him to cross paths with the Boston Celtics star in a gym-class setting. Both childhood friends wind up winning championships in their respective sports in the same calendar year.

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Matthew Tkachuk shares his sentiments towards his St. Louis upbringing

Tkachuk expressed his deep appreciation for the values instilled in him as a St. Louis native, emphasizing that these qualities shape not just his hockey persona but also define him as a person.

He fondly acknowledged the profound impact of the city on his upbringing, attributing his roots, values and character development to his time spent in St. Louis.

"All the qualities of not just as a hockey player, but as a person, have all been brought up as a St Louis person,” Tkachuk said (via The Hockey News).

"The qualities of a Midwest kid have really been established to me since a very young age; I was born in Arizona, but I grew up in St Louis, so all my roots and everything has all been brought up from St Louis. It's such a special place, and I always come back here.”

Tkachuk had a solid campaign. He accumulated 61 points in 71 regular-season games and 22 points in 24 playoff games. His contribution was a key for the Panthers in securing their first championship.