Taryn Tkachuk posts sweet photos with dad Keith Tkachuk on his birthday | NHL News

One-time NHL superstar Keith Tkachuk celebrated his 53rd birthday on Friday, being deservedly remembered with a warm sentiment by his daughter, Taryn Tkachuk. The University of Virginia field hockey team athlete posted sweet father-daughter memories on her Instagram stories to wish the man, universally known as one of the greatest American-born hockey players, a happy birthday.
“Happy birthday to the [GOAT emoji],” Taryn posted, admiring her father, whose legacy remains indelible in the NHL.

Credit: Taryn Tkachuk’s Instagram story

Keith Tkachuk: 18-year legend’s storied career

Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, on 28th March 1972, Keith Tkachuk played in the NHL for 18 years with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers before his retirement in 2010. Through his power-forward orientation, he became part of a rare collection of just five American-born players who have recorded 500 career goals. Tkachuk was drafted 19th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He was named the captain again when the franchise moved to Phoenix in 1996 and had his best single season, with 52 goals in 1996–97. He led the NHL in goals scored that season and became a first-line scorer.

From Winnipeg to St. Louis: A lasting impact on the NHL

On the ice, during his playing time, Tkachuk was marked by physical play and goal-scoring. There were eight of his seasons of 30 goals or more and two straight seasons of 50 goals. All this effort paid off when he was rewarded five times with being selected for NHL All-Stars.
After his successful period in Phoenix, Tkachuk was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2001, where he proceeded to leave his imprint. He was a vital component of the Blues’ playoff years and continued to come back to the team in 2007 after a brief period with the Atlanta Thrashers. In 2008, he became the 1,000 career points milestone, only the sixth American-born player to accomplish it.
Also read: Mathew Tkachuk injury update: Florida Panthers remain confident as they await the star forward’s return

A family hockey tradition

Hockey runs in the veins of the Tkachuk family. The son of Keith Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, and grandson Brady Tkachuk have followed in his steps and played in the NHL for the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators, respectively. His daughter, Taryn, played college field hockey at the University of Virginia. With a career that was defined by determination, talent, and leadership, Keith Tkachuk’s legacy lives on through his children, keeping the Tkachuk name in the limelight of the sporting world.