This team is a lot more special than we thought.
When it comes to the history of American sports, the 2026 Olympics edition of Team USA hockey will always be amongst the most legendary.
With that being said, this team is a lot more iconic than what you think, and that’s because of the story that was told from Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk and Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk. The Tkachuk brothers were both a part of the team.
And that story: they snuck beer into the Olympic Village.
On their “Wingmen” podcast, former NHL star Shane O’Brien joined the Tkachuk brothers, and during their conversation, the bros told an epic story of how beer was involved with Team USA hockey’s gold medal journey. (RELATED: Pro-Palestine Protester Who Disrupted Super Bowl Halftime Show Found Guilty: REPORT)
O’Brien, who is a Canadian, applauded the United States for staying together in the Olympic Village, with Matthew saying that it assisted the players in bonding.
This then brought them into a story regarding how they snuck beer into the Olympic Village thinking it was dry.
Things began with the team having dinner together, coming up with the idea of going to a bar. When they got to the bar, however, it was about to close down shop for the night. So, when closing time arrived, they stocked up on beer that they could smuggle into the Olympic Village.
The majority of beers were carried in brown paper bags. And then there was Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson, who had a case of beer right on his shoulder like it was nothing.
WATCH:
Turns out sneaking a beer case past security was huge for Team USA at the Olympics 😭
Matthew: “I knew once Tage did that we had a very good chance of winning it.”
Shane O’Brien: “I don’t think Team Canada’s boozin’ enough. We gotta start boozin’ more.” pic.twitter.com/QHuwwKkR1E
— Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk (@Wingmenpod) May 12, 2026
Just when you think this team couldn’t be more legendary, they give you this … absolutely incredible.