Keith Tkachuk celebrates his children during emotional Hall of Fame speech

Keith Tkachuk celebrated his three children and the rest of his family as the former NHLer gave his Hockey Hall of Fame induction speech in Toronto Monday night.

“To my children, Matthew, Brady and Taryn: Being your father is the greatest title I’ve ever had,” Keith Tkachuk said. “Taryn, you are a smart, strong, beautiful, quick witted, and may have the most hockey knowledge in the family. Brady, you’re the most caring and thoughtful person I know. Matthew, you made me a father for the first time and filled me with joy. I didn’t know it was possible.”

The father said watching his two sons play with the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team, and now with the Florida Panthers, “has been the thrill of a lifetime.”

Keith Tkachuk was inducted as part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class, along with Carey Price, Patrice Bergeron, Cindy Curley, Pekka Rinne and Brian Burke.

“This game has welcomed me at every level. I accept this honour with gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey,” Keith Tkachuk said.

It’s been a busy week for Keith Tkachuk. Last Saturday in Toronto, the 54-year-old retired winger was booed as we was introduced with his fellow inductees before the Toronto Maple Leafs hosted the New Jersey Devils in the annual Hockey Hall of Fame Game. 

Keith Tkachuk had 538 goals and 527 assists for 1,065 points and 2,219 penalty minutes in 1,201 regular-season games with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers. He also recorded 28 goals and 28 assists for 56 points in 89 Stanley Cup Playoff games.