TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews is used to playing in packed arenas under the bright lights. Put him in a colorful costume at The National Ballet of Canada, however, and it’s an entirely different story.
Matthews and teammate Mitch Marner made cameo appearances as Cannon Dolls in a performance of “The Nutcracker” on Wednesday night, a decision Matthews was having second thoughts about moments before stepping in front of the crowd.
“It was nerve-wracking,” Matthews said Thursday morning. “We jumped at the idea to do it. About 20 seconds before we went on stage I was really contemplating it, but I’m happy I did it.