Team USA secured a 6-2 win against Slovakia on Friday, advancing to the Olympic Gold Medal Game with hopes of claiming the top prize. The match, however, ended on a sour note as an on-ice dispute involving Erik Cernak and the Tkachuk brothers spilled into the hallway near the locker rooms, fueling tensions between the teams.
Series of Confrontations Escalate on Ice
The conflict started when Matthew Tkachuk, a forward for Team USA, delivered a late hit on Slovak defenseman Erik Cernak well after he had released the puck in the offensive zone. The two clashed physically as they skated back, shoving and holding one another until officials intervened near the penalty area. The situation worsened when Brady Tkachuk entered the disagreement, landing a punch from behind on Cernak, which provoked the Slovak player to respond with two punches at Matthew. Both brothers then exchanged blows with Cernak while referees struggled to break up the fight.
Penalties Remove Key Players from Remaining Game Time
As a result of the altercation, all three players received 10-minute Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalties, leading to their ejection with under two minutes left in the game. Brady Tkachuk alone was assessed a minor two-minute roughing penalty, which was served by teammate Clayton Keller, granting Slovakia a power play opportunity to close out the match.
Post-Game Tensions Continue Behind Closed Doors
Following their departure from the ice, the confrontation extended to the corridor near the locker rooms where the Tkachuk brothers and Cernak exchanged heated words before eventually separating. The episode left the Slovakian side visibly upset and frustrated after the loss.
Slovak Reaction Reflects Frustration and Disdain
Slovak forward Oliver Okuliar expressed strong criticism toward the Tkachuk brothers, labeling them harshly for their playing style and conduct.
“They’re not even good hockey players, they just do this s**t, that’s exactly their style,”
Okuliar said. Additionally, Capitals forward Martin Fehervary, who received a roughing minor during the game after punching Brady Tkachuk, voiced clear disapproval:
“Nobody was surprised by what Tkachuk did. Everyone knows what they are,”
he commented.
Former NHL star and current Slovak analyst Marián Gáborík described the Tkachuks’ behavior in unflattering terms, emphasizing the challenge in maintaining composure against them.
“It’s not easy to keep your nerves against them,”
Gáborík noted.
“That’s just the way they are; they behave like rats.”
Upcoming Matches Highlight Stakes for Medal Contention
With Team USA advancing to face rival Canada in the Gold Medal Game on Sunday, Slovakia must now prepare for the Bronze Medal match against Finland on Saturday. Both nations aim to secure a medal in men’s hockey at consecutive Olympic tournaments, making their upcoming contests crucial in their quest for podium finishes.
[USA vs SVK] Erik Cernak and Matthew Tkachuk go at each other and get booted from the game. Brady Tkachuk also got involved and put Slovakia on the powerplay.
byu/talhatoot inhockey
this photo brings me joy pic.twitter.com/A9DkGYc8cC
— doc 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@sammyersson) February 20, 2026
