It was a special night for Auston Matthews. His first NHL game in his hometown. At only 19 he is the face of hockey in Arizona, and his own visit there with the Maple Leafs this season saw the Coyotes rink filled to the brim with young hockey players, who will grow up idolizing the young Maple Leaf.
He did not disappoint the thousands who came to see the poster child for southern hockey. He stick handled his way around opponents with ease, bouncing around the boards, avoiding the opposition whenever he was on the ice.
Watching the Fox Sports broadcast for this game, we were treated to stories from Matthews coaches, stories about learning to play hockey in place where it’s a very fringe sport, and an in game interview with the Matthews parents.