Medford’s Keith Tkachuk elected to Hockey Hall of Fame
Known as "Big Walt," Medford native and former St. Louis Blues star Keith Tkachuk will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.
Leave it to "Big Walt" to upstage his sons.
A day after a blockbuster NHL trade sent son Brady to the Florida Panthers, reuniting him with big brother Matthew, proud hockey dad Keith Tkachuk took center ice entering a whole new arena entirely.
Keith Tkachuk is the newest member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Medford native and former Malden Catholic Lancer joins an elite 2026 induction class, which includes former Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron and all-star goaltenders Carey Price and Pekka Rinne. Former GM Brian Burke and women’s hockey star Cindy Curley were also inducted.
It was a long time coming for Tkachuk, who waited through 14 years of eligibility before finally getting the coveted call.
“This is the ultimate for sure,” said Tkachuk. “Tkachuk’s are never known to be patient, but you’ve got to be a little patient.”
Hockey Hall of Fame Weekend kicks off Nov. 7 in Toronto, culminating with the induction ceremony Nov. 9.
Tkachuk was entertaining a capacity crowd of family and friends at his St. Louis home when he got the call.
“We have a full house of grandkids here at the Tkachuk household,” said Tkachuk, via a media conference call. “It’s been a crazy weekend. I honestly missed a few phone calls but obviously got the phone call again. I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t tell my family for about 45 minutes.”
After taking a moment, Tkachuk gathered his brother, niece’s fiancé, and son Brady inside for a celebratory beer.
“I broke the news to them there,” said Tkachuk, noting that Matthew was out playing in a golf tournament. “It’s been crazy. We couldn’t believe it. I was emotional and I knew if I went in and told my family right away, I just wouldn’t be able to handle it. It was a thrill to get that call. I can’t thank the [Hall of Fame] Committee enough. It’s been a great weekend for the Tkachuks.”
It was especially gratifying for Big Walt to share the news with his family.
“It was great to see their reaction, especially my mom,” said Tkachuk. “We wouldn’t have been here without my parents' sacrifice. Blue collar people from Boston, who lived paycheck to paycheck and did everything they could so I was able to live my dreams. It’s been a crazy weekend, but this tops it off.”
Growing up in Medford, Tkachuk practiced regularly at LoConte Rink. As a teenager, he played at Malden Catholic High School, earning a scholarship to Boston University.
Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round (19th overall) of the 1990 NHL draft, Tkachuk made his NHL debut on Feb. 28, 1992.
His 19-year NHL career included stints with the Winnipeg Jets (1991-96), Phoenix Coyotes (1996-2001), St. Louis Blues (2001-07, 2007-10) and Atlanta Thrashers (2007).
Known as the game’s premier power forward of his era, Tkachuk used his big frame to ample use in front of the net. His 538 career goals were second most (behind Patrick Marleau) of all eligible players not already in the Hall of Fame. The NHL all-star compiled 1,065 points in 1,201 games while also winning a gold medal representing the United States at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
Despite his star-studded resume of accomplishments, Tkachuk admits he still didn’t see this call coming.
“Like all the inductees, I was shocked,” said Tkachuk. “You don’t go into your career thinking you’re going to be a Hall-of-Famer. You don’t play for that. But as you get older and you get that call it’s truly the biggest honor I could ever have. I’m thrilled. I don’t know how I’m going to react in November."
"It’s going to be overwhelming, " he added. "But we’re doing this for our families, who have sacrificed everything for us. I’m looking forward to spending that time with my family, my grandkids. My wife Chantel sacrificed a ton for me. I’m looking forward going in representing all the teams I played for, especially the St. Louis Blues. I’m looking forward to that."
The news of the induction capped off a whirlwind weekend surrounding family. Less than a day earlier, Brady was traded to the Florida Panthers. The deal reunites him with big brother Matthew. The pair were instrumental in helping the U.S. win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
