 |
Keith TkachukAmerican hockey player.
Date of Birth: 28.03.1972
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Keith Tkachuk
Keith Matthew Tkachuk, an American ice hockey player, was born on March 28, 1972, in Melrose, Massachusetts, USA. He began playing hockey while attending Malden Catholic High School, near his hometown. He continued to play for the youth team of Boston University after graduating from high school. Tkachuk was first drafted into the professional team, the "Winnipeg Jets," in 1990.
Early Career
In 1991-1992, Keith Tkachuk was selected for the U.S. national junior team. He made his professional debut on February 28, 1992, in a game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Vancouver Canucks. During the 1991-1992 season, he played in only 17 games, scoring 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists). However, in the following season, Tkachuk secured a spot in the main roster of the Winnipeg Jets, playing in 83 games and accumulating 51 points (28 goals, 23 assists).
Professional Success
Tkachuk's career took off in the 1993-1994 season, where he rarely played a game without scoring a point. He played 84 games and accumulated 81 points (41 goals, 40 assists). In the 1994-1995 season, Tkachuk missed half of the season due to injury, playing in 48 games and gaining 51 points. However, the following season was incredible for him as he played 76 games and achieved 98 points (50 goals, 48 assists). His success caught the attention of the Phoenix Coyotes' management, and he moved to the team in the next season, playing in 81 games and gaining 86 points.
In the 1996-1997 season, Tkachuk became a world champion with the U.S. national team, scoring 6 points in 7 games. In the 1997-1998 season, he played for the Phoenix Coyotes in 69 games, earning 66 points. He also represented the United States in the Olympic team during the same year. Tkachuk played almost five full seasons for the Phoenix Coyotes and consistently scored at least 70 points per season, if not hindered by injuries.
Later Career and Achievements
At the end of the 2001-2002 season, Tkachuk was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he continues to play today, maintaining impressive performance. In 2002, he won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Tkachuk participated in four Olympics and three World Championships. He was also named the Player of the Week four times. In February 1997, Tkachuk married Chantal Oster, and they have three children together - Matthew, Brady, and Taryn.
