New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce - Episode 125 Summary

Guest: Matthew and Brady Tkachuk
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Title: Matt & Brady Tkachuk on 4 Nations Face-Off, Partying with The Cup & Art of Hockey Fights

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 125 of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles' Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce welcome NHL stars Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. The episode delves into the intense Four Nations tournament, the camaraderie and celebrations surrounding the Stanley Cup, and the intricate dynamics of hockey fights. Throughout the conversation, the Kelce brothers draw parallels between football and hockey, offering unique insights into both sports.

Four Nations Tournament Insights

Discussion on the Inaugural Four Nations Tournament

The conversation kicks off with the Tkachuk brothers reflecting on their experience in the first-ever Four Nations tournament.

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “It was the best hockey experience I've ever had. It was so cool. Unreal.” [18:50]

The tournament, aimed at rejuvenating international hockey competitions ahead of the Olympics, surpassed expectations in terms of excitement and fan engagement.

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “The NHL is looking to expand it to a World Cup with more countries and even some games in Europe. It ties into the 2030 Olympics.” [19:30]

Future of the Tournament

The Tkachuks believe the tournament will continue biennially, enhancing global interest and showcasing diverse talents.

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “The tournament was a huge success, and hockey is now in a better place in the U.S. than it was two weeks ago.” [37:07]

Art of Hockey Fights

Understanding the Purpose Behind Fights

The Tkachuk brothers explain that fights in hockey are not merely for show but serve to unify the team and set the tone against formidable opponents.

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “It was to show our teammates, 'We got this. We're together in this.'” [27:18]

Unwritten Rules and Techniques

They discuss the nuances and techniques involved in hockey fights, emphasizing control and respect among players.

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “When you grab around the elbow, you control the movement and can anticipate their strikes.” [31:17]

Family Reactions to Fights

The conversation shifts to how their families perceive their aggressive on-ice behavior.

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “My mom couldn't believe what was happening, but she knows how we grew up roughhousing and carrying that toughness.” [32:22]

Celebrations and the Stanley Cup

Matthew’s Stanley Cup Victory

Matthew shares his emotional journey of winning the Stanley Cup, highlighting family support and memorable moments.

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “Holding the Cup and sharing it with my family was one of the most amazing days of my life.” [35:51]

Brady’s Celebration Stories

Brady recounts festive celebrations post-victory, including playful antics with the Cup.

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “I took the Cup into the ocean, not knowing it doesn’t handle saltwater well. It was a free moment of celebration.” [47:55]

Jason & Travis Share Their Own Celebrations

The Kelce brothers draw parallels to their Super Bowl celebrations, emphasizing brotherhood and family involvement.

Growing Up in a Hockey Family

Multi-Sport Upbringing

Matthew describes how his parents encouraged playing multiple sports to prevent burnout and foster a genuine love for hockey.

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “Playing various sports kept our love for hockey fresh and exciting.” [21:18]

Influence of Their Father

Their father, a former NHL player, played a pivotal role in nurturing their hockey careers through hands-on involvement and fostering a competitive spirit.

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “Dad's advice has always been to be a good teammate and work hard. That mindset helped us win the Stanley Cup.” [42:02]

Stories from Childhood

Both brothers share humorous and heartwarming anecdotes from their youth, highlighting their passion for the game.

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “We used to play mini sticks in our basement. It was full contact and so much fun.” [41:44]

Comparing Hockey and Football

Physicality and Toughness

The discussion explores the similarities and differences in the physical demands of hockey and football.

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “Football is more physical because you get hit every single play, unlike hockey where there are shifts.” [53:19]

Representing the Country

Matthew emphasizes the pride in representing the USA, a sentiment shared by both sports.

• Jason Kelce:
  “We never got to represent our country in football, so seeing you guys do it in hockey is awesome.” [29:24]

Future Plans and Challenges

Expanding Sports Coverage

The Kelce brothers discuss potential future guests and activities, including interviews with legendary athletes and exploring obscure sports.

• Travis Kelce:
  “We need to get the great one on here. Maybe talk to Tom Brady about how he dealt with not winning Super Bowls.” [74:22]

Balancing Family and Career

Both Jason and Travis share their excitement about their growing families while managing their professional sports careers.

• Jason Kelce:
  “By the time the next kid is here, we'll have a five-year-old, a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and a newborn. It's going to be intense.” [11:31]

Notable Quotes

• Matthew Tkachuk:
  “Fighting in hockey is more than just beating someone up; it's about standing together as a team.” [27:18]

• Brady Tkachuk:
  “There's a lot of respect in our fights. It's controlled chaos to show unity and strength.” [31:37]

• Jason Kelce:
  “There's nothing better than seeing the city celebrate its team, whether it's a Super Bowl or a Stanley Cup victory.” [09:17]

• Travis Kelce:
  “Fights bring out the best in team spirit. It's electrifying to see everyone come together.” [27:37]

Conclusion

Episode 125 of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce offers a deep dive into the world of hockey through the eyes of the Tkachuk brothers. From the intensity of international tournaments and the strategic art of hockey fights to heartfelt Stanley Cup celebrations and the influence of a sports-centric upbringing, the episode provides rich, multifaceted insights into the sport. The Kelce brothers successfully bridge the gap between football and hockey, creating an engaging and informative conversation for sports enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

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