Matthew Tkachuk in total awe of Team USA’s rising star Caroline Harvey

Team USA hasn’t hit the ice for its Olympic opener yet, but Matthew Tkachuk is already inspired by the Women’s team.

Speaking to reporters after practice on Wednesday, the American forward was asked about the U.S. women’s team’s dominant win over Canada on Tuesday night, a victory that marked the Americans’ seventh straight over their biggest rivals.

Tkachuk didn’t just acknowledge the win. He went a step further in awe of one specific women’s counterpart.

“Caroline Harvey’s like Bobby Orr,” he said, praising the standout defender as the best player on the ice “by a lot.” High praise doesn’t get much higher than that.

Harvey recorded a goal and two points in the victory, playing a pivotal role as the United States secured a perfect 4-0-0 record to finish first in Group A. Her dynamic presence from the blue line clearly left an impression, not just on fans, but on the men’s team as well.

Now the question becomes: does that performance add extra fuel for Tkachuk and the U.S. men ahead of their Olympic opener against Latvia?

The Canada–USA rivalry always carries weight, regardless of which tournament or team is involved. Watching their women’s counterparts handle business in dominant fashion may serve as the perfect spark.

If Tkachuk and Team USA bring even a fraction of Harvey’s edge and confidence into their opener, Latvia should be in for a long night.