Come October 3, it’s “Prime” time for Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators.
That’s when “FACEOFF: In the NHL Season 2” premieres worldwide on Prime Video. The Senators captain is the featured subject in the first installment of a six-part docuseries. Box to Box and NHL Productions produced the series.
Per Prime Video: Epsisode 1 sees Brady Tkachuk starting the season with big skates to fill. He’s the little brother of the reigning Stanley Cup Champion, Matthew Tkachuk. Brady ends the season as a face of the NHL, a father, and his own man.
Local media including Hockey Hot Stove and select Senators fans/social influencers were invited to an advanced screening last Wednesday in Ottawa.
Tkachuk on the red carpet
Prior to the event, Tkachuk held court on the red carpet for a Q & A session. He spoke about what it was like for him to have his family and teammates followed by a camera crew during the past season. Additionally, he provided a few tidbits of what viewers, especially Senators’ fans can expect to see.
“I feel like I’m an open book to begin with. But just see ins and outs at the rink, the stuff that people normally wouldn’t see and team camaraderie too. I think that it shows our group and the city well. So I’m excited for everybody to kind of see a part of my life and stuff like that,” said Tkachuk.
“BIt was an awesome experience, and I’m really looking forward to every scene.”
Shared experience
Tkachuk felt satisfaction how the episode presented itself. He shared an experience with his brother, Matthew winning the Stanley Cup to forging out personal and team success for the Senators in the 2024-25 campaign.
“It was cool to see. I mean, of course, the situation, whereas, you know, we’re more early in it. So to be around Matthew, especially the first Cup, I think they got some great footage. And I think, for our stories, our first time making playoffs after a lot of years, you kind of get that ride of highs and some lows in there, and it kind of just showed how the path wasn’t easy, but in the end, is everything was meant to be,” Tkachuk said.
“At the time we started, I think we were right outside the playoff spot. And when I had this opportunity, it was just going to be meant to be, that they’re going to capture the long drought to be over, and we’re going to make playoffs, kind of capture that ride and the highs and lows of that stressful time of the year. So I think that was perfect opportunity to show the hunger, the drive and what it took to get to playoffs. To be able to capture some of that. I think it’s really cool for the city and the fans to see that kind of behind the scenes of what it took to get there,.
Rewarding experience for Sens captain
Tkachuk praised the production crew who were seemingly invisible during filming, “They did a great job of not being invasive, kind of in your face, even in the room. It’s almost you kind of forget that they’re there. They do such a good job of not only respecting your space, but capturing those moments that everybody wants to see, those raw emotional moments, not everything is all sunshine and rainbows, sometimes there’s emotional moments. And to capture that, show who you are and times like that, I think they did a great job of capturing those,” especially scenes which included his family.
“It’s so important to me, my wife (Emma) and(son) Ryder, and of course, everybody knows my brother (Matthew), sister (Taryn), parents (Chantal and Keith), just how close we are. And I think it’s important of show that side, because that’s something that I care most about. So it was great. It’s kind of funny to see Ryder now and to then when he was just a little blob. So you get to see it.”
A showcase for the community
Tkachuk told Hockey Hot Stove he’s happy how the program brings the city of Ottawa and its fans to the forefront.
“I think they did a great job. I think it shows going to Icelynd and the skating trails, something fun that the city has to offer. And for me, it’s an honour to be able to represent this city, what it’s all about. The passion, the care that everybody has in the city. And I’m excited for everybody to kind of be a part of it and be a part of this episode, and know for future things to come,” he said.
While this space cannot currently provide a concise breakdown of the episode, Tkachuk noted viewers will appreciate footage surrounding the Four Nation tournament held in February.
“I think people are going to really enjoy the Four Nations segment. The whole episode is unreal, and there’s so many highlights along the way that they capture,” he said.
Does Tkachuk have a favourite scene?
“I just think there’s really tough to pick a favourite moment, because the whole episode is awesome,” Tkachuk said.
Would he do it again?
“Absolutely, yeah, this is an amazing experience, and hopefully many more memories that they’re going to capture.”
