Brady Tkachuk addresses Team USA celebrations and his desire to stay in Ottawa

After returning to Ottawa following Team USA's Olympic gold, Brady Tkachuk described the win as 'unreal' and spent media time addressing criticism about the team's White House visit and locker-room celebrations.

Brady Tkachuk returned to Ottawa after Team USA won Olympic gold and faced a large media scrum. Reporters focused on the political reactions to the team's celebrations and public appearances rather than on hockey details. The attention centered on the players' White House visit, a FaceTime call from President Trump that included an offhand remark about the women's team, and video from the American locker room. Reports also said Kash Patel appeared in the locker room celebrating with the team. Key facts: - Tkachuk called the Olympic gold medal "unreal" and described the experience as a dream come true. - He said he felt honored to visit the White House and to be in the Oval Office with the team. - Video from the American locker room showed someone shouting "Close the northern border," which Tkachuk said was not his voice and that he would never say that. - President Trump phoned the men's team and made a remark about the women's team that players were seen reacting to; that reaction drew criticism. - Reports noted Kash Patel was present in the locker room and seen celebrating with the team. - Tkachuk said he has not considered leaving Ottawa and reiterated his commitment to the Senators through his current contract period. Summary: The recent political attention has shifted media focus away from on-ice matters and toward reactions to the team's celebrations and public appearances. Tkachuk emphasized the significance of the gold medal and restated his commitment to the Senators while saying he is focused on the team's playoff push. Upcoming games and the season schedule are likely to return attention to hockey matters.