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“We didn’t really talk about it. But I think it was the elephant in the room,” Chantal said of the way it all worked out. “Everybody knew it was in St. Louis and everybody was hoping that they might (both) have a chance to do that.

“Especially because it will be the only time in their career that it will be here.”

Photo by Courtesy, Chantal Tkachuk

The Enterprise Center has been so well-attended by the Tkachuk family that it could be considered one of their second homes. It was the place they grew up watching their dad skate when he was a member of the Blues in the early 2000s nearly up until his retirement in 2010.

That significance is not lost on anybody.

Keith represented the Phoenix Coyotes three times at the NHL all-star game and did again twice more as a member of the St. Louis Blues.

“You can go a whole career and not have it all line up like that (for the Tkachuk family),” pointed out Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “So I think this will be certainly one of those that when (Matthew) looks back when his career is done, this will be one of those really cool moments.

“He’s very deserving. For me, he’s continuing to take steps forward and has again this year. He’s so important for us.”

Between Matthew and Brady’s incoming pals, their family and friends — plus all of the NHL commitments, alumni get-togethers and their own party they’re hosting on Saturday night — this weekend will be nothing like they’ve ever experienced in Keith’s days.

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Photo by Courtesy, Chantal Tkachuk

“Obviously, it’s such an honour and so special to have it be in St. Louis and in our hometown,” Chantal said. “It makes it that much more special for Matthew, Brady and our family. It’s going to be at the rink they grew up going to all the time and watching their dad and skating at.