The last couple years have been seasons of challenges overcome and transitions made for Matthew Tkachuk. Following a couple strong seasons in the United States National Development Team in the USHL he made a transition to the Ontario Hockey League, joining the powerhouse London Knights. Rather than fade into the background on a deep team, he emerged as one-third of the most dangerous line in junior hockey.
He's also added to his hockey resume quite impressively: the past two years have seen him win gold at the World Under-18s, bronze at the World Juniors, an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup – which was capped off by his overtime heroics in the clinching game, despite his mobility being hampered by a lingering ankle injury.