MILAN — Known affectionately as “The Three Amigos,” Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk share a special bond forged during their teenage years when they lived together with Brady’s father, Keith Tkachuk, in a rented townhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, they were billet sons for Keith while playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program.
“I had a lot of fun,” Quinn recalls with a fond smile. “He even taught me how to drive — though I don’t think it was exactly legal at the time.” Keith, a four-time Olympian and former NHL player, jokes about Quinn’s driving ability, calling him a “terrible driver” and humorously suggesting that he should let Brady take the wheel instead.
Their time together was not just a bonding experience filled with laughter and mentorship but also a formative period for the young players. “I put Quinn through the school of hard knocks,” Keith says, laughing. His guidance helped shape both boys, embedding a sense of discipline. If they played poorly, he was straightforward in his feedback: “ND. No draft,” he would tell them, emphasizing the importance of performance and personal accountability.
As they navigated their teenage years, the boys formed a deep friendship. Whether it was bonding over late-night video games or critiquing NHL games with Keith, those years laid the groundwork for their careers. “I was fortunate to have Keith and Brady in my life,” Quinn says, acknowledging Keith as a mentor beyond just hockey insights.
Their camaraderie has only grown since their teenage days. Now both NHL stars and U.S. Olympians at 26, they bring their unique personalities to the rink, perfectly balancing each other. While Brady is known for his loud and gregarious demeanor, Quinn tends to be quieter and more reserved, reflecting a complementary dynamic that has served them well.
Their journey has led them to the Olympic Village, where they are excited to compete alongside each other again. Recently, Brady scored the first U.S. goal of the Olympics, while Quinn had a close call with a disallowed goal, reminiscent of their days together as teenagers navigating the ups and downs of competitive sports.
The Tkachuk and Hughes families share historical ties, with unforgettable memories from the years spent in the “famous billet house.” Matthew Tkachuk, Brady’s brother, appreciates the unique friendship that blossomed between the two families during that time, emphasizing how fun and supportive the environment was.
Their successful arrivals in the NHL during the 2018 Draft—Brady being selected fourth overall by the Ottawa Senators and Quinn seventh by the Vancouver Canucks—are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the values instilled in them during their youth. Both players are now pivotal figures for their respective teams, with aspirations to secure gold medals for Team USA.
The journey from teenage housemates to NHL stars has been a shared experience filled with growth, laughter, and lessons that transcend the game. Looking ahead, with hopes of winning a gold medal together, the bond shared by Keith, Quinn, and Brady continues to flourish, celebrating not just their shared passion for hockey but also the invaluable friendships formed along the way.