MILAN – Auston Matthews is aware that millions of viewers from around the world will be watching when the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team embarks on their quest for the United States’ first gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980 later this week.
“This is the largest platform in all of sports,” Matthews stated.
Matthews also recognizes that a significant segment of that audience will consist of young hockey players with their own Olympic aspirations, as well as parents of children who are putting on their skates at local rinks throughout the United States.
The 28-year-old hopes that children remember the value of participating in various sports and simply enjoying themselves in any sport they engage in. Some of Matthews’ cherished memories from his childhood in Scottsdale, Arizona, also occurred on the baseball diamond long before he became a notable goal scorer in the NHL.
“I would advise them to play two sports,” Matthews mentioned during the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Orientation Camp in August. “Take some breaks from hockey. It is crucial to avoid burnout. It’s easy to concentrate all your efforts on one thing, but there are numerous excellent sports to participate in. I enjoyed playing all sports and ultimately focused on hockey and baseball. I dedicated myself to hockey once I turned 13. Engaging in two sports is essential.
“Hockey was my primary passion, but it is vital, especially for young children, to have diverse experiences and not to concentrate solely on one activity.”
What better opportunity for children to explore other sports than during the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will showcase eight sports and 15 different disciplines?
Matthews himself is looking forward to the opportunity to interact with other athletes at the Olympic Village and witness the world’s finest.
“It’s quite remarkable to be in this type of environment, and I’ve never experienced anything like it before,” Matthews remarked after the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team’s initial practice at Milano Santagiulia Arena on Sunday. “This is essentially what the Olympics represent – all the top athletes from around the globe in their respective sports, and it’s just very exciting to be a part of it.
So, if Matthews were not a hockey player, which other Olympic winter sport might he excel in?
“Perhaps something related to skiing,” Matthews replied before pausing and laughing.
“I enjoy watching skiing, but I probably wouldn’t excel at it.”
Matthews certainly appears to have mastered the sport of hockey. The No. 1 selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 is a well-known offensive powerhouse with 427 career goals and 348 assists.
The 28-year-old was appointed captain of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team on Sunday following practice, while Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk were designated as alternate captains.
Matthews is poised to make his Olympic debut when the U.S. competes against Latvia on Thursday at 3:10 p.m. ET (USA Network | Peacock), marking the first Olympics featuring NHL players since the 2014 Games in Sochi.
He acknowledged that seeing the Olympic rings on the boards inside Milano Santagiulia Arena was a special moment.
“It’s incredible to think that we are now here, and we have this opportunity, and it is very significant,” Matthews stated. “I am extremely honored to represent (my) country and wear the Team USA jersey. It carries even more weight to do it at an event like the Olympics.”
Matthews, Tkachuk, and the rest of the U.S. team, apart from McAvoy, Jeremy Swayman, Jake Oettinger, and Zach Werenski, who arrived on Friday, all touched down in Milan Sunday morning.
“I envision our team as a cohesive unit,” Matthews expressed. “The camaraderie we share in the locker room and the selflessness of each player to step up and fulfill a necessary role is evident, and we will do whatever it takes to support the team. That was very clear at 4 Nations, and the team at the Olympics will aim to continue that spirit.”
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