Do you know who the first American-born top goal scorer in the NHL was? Don’t worry if you don’t have one since we have you covered. Keith Tkachuk became the first American-born player to lead the NHL in goals during the 1996-97 season.
Quick Facts
Full Name | Keith Matthew Tkachuk |
Birth Date | 28 March 1972 |
Birth Place | Melrose, Massachusetts, U.S.A |
Nick Name | Walt |
Religion | Not available |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Not available |
Education | Boston University |
Horoscope | Aries |
Father’s Name | John Tkachuk |
Mother’s Name | Gerry Tkachuk |
Siblings | Kevin Tkachuk, Mary Kay Tkachuk |
Age | 52 years old |
Height | 6’2″ (1.88 m) |
Weight | 107 kg (235 lbs) |
Shoe Size | Not available |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Blue |
Body Measurement | Not available |
Build | Muscular |
Married | Yes |
Girlfriends | No |
Spouse | Chantal Oster |
Position | Left-Wing |
Profession | Ice Hockey Player |
Net Worth | $55 million |
Clubs | Winnipeg Jets (1991-96), Phoenix Coyotes (1996-01), St. Louis Blues (2001-10), Atlanta Thrashers (2006-07) |
Jersey Number | 7 (Winnipeg Jets) |
Social Media | Matthew Tkachuk Instagram, Brady Tkachuk Instagram |
Merch | Autographed Items, Hockey Gears |
Keith Tkachuk Biography
Keith Tkachuk was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, on 28 March 1972, to John and Gerry Tkachuk. Kevin and Mary Kay Tkachuk, Tkachuk’s two siblings, also grew up playing hockey. As a result, since he was a boy, the Massachusetts native has longed to play in the NHL. As a result, as soon as he arrived at Malden Catholic High School, the future Hall of Famer joined the high school hockey team. Following that, Tkachuk astonished many fans with his raw talent and winning spirit while playing for Malden Catholic High School.
As a result, when Keith was ready to choose a university, a number of schools expressed interest in him. On the other side, Tkachuk chose Boston University because of its proximity to his hometown. Following that, the Massachusetts native displayed his potential to the entire nation throughout his one year at the university. Tkachuk was in such fantastic shape that he made his international debut for the United States before Keith ever became a pro. As a result, after only one year with Boston University, nearly every team wanted to sign the wunderkind. As a result, Keith chose to make himself eligible for the upcoming 1990 NHL SuperDraft at the tender age of 17.
Keith Tkachuk Height, Weight
Tkachuk, who was born in the year 1972, is now 51 years old. Because of his fitness and good health, Keith, like most other professional athletes, appears significantly younger than his actual age. In fact, the 47-year-old looks like he can still play professionally with his two boys.
In addition, the Massachusetts native stands at a towering 6 feet 2 inches tall. Tkachuk’s enormous body frame gave him an advantage over his opponents, as seen by his scoring records. With the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996-97, Keith became the first American-born player to lead the NHL in goals with 52.
Career
Tkachuk made his professional debut with the Winnipeg Jets after being picked 19th overall in the 1990 NHL SuperDraft. For the next five years, the 6-foot-2 left winger remained with the squad, helping them reach the playoffs three times. A 12-game scoring streak from March 9 to April 3, 1993, was one of his most memorable experiences with the Jets. Tkachuk’s achievement was made even more remarkable by his first season in the NHL.
As a result, the Winnipeg Jets gave Keith, who was then 20 years old, the captain’s armband as a token of their gratitude for his accomplishments. On the other side, he became a restricted free agent at the start of the 1995-95 season. Tkachuk chose to join with the Chicago Blackhawks after being offered a five-year contract worth $17 million.
Keith Tkachuk’s Net Worth
Keith has a net worth of $55 million as of March 2024, which he has mostly amassed via his hockey career. During his career in the NHL, Tkachuk was one of the best and most well-known players. As a result, his $55 million net worth is not surprising.
During his stint in the NHL, the 47-year-old was consistently one of the highest-paid players. To give you an idea, the Massachusetts native earned nearly $80 million throughout his 17 years in the NHL.
Keith Tkachuk Wife, Marriage
His attractive wife is Chantal Oster, a 47-year-old former NHL player. Similarly, the couple married in a fantasy ceremony in front of their friends and family on February 28, 1997.
Matthew Tkachuk and Braeden Tkachuk are the couple’s two sons, and Taryn Tkachuk is their sister. Both sons have followed in their father’s footsteps and are now NHL players, so it appears that ice hockey is in the Tkachuk family’s blood. Brady plays for the Ottawa Senators, whereas Matthew plays for the Calgary Flames. Since a result, Keith was overjoyed by his children’s achievements, as every parent wishes for his child to be just like him.