• Faith: Latter-day Saint
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  September 17, 1997

Auston Matthews is an American professional ice hockey center and the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted first overall in 2016, Matthews quickly became one of hockey’s most dangerous scorers, pairing a heavy, accurate shot with strong puck protection and a two-way game that makes him a focal point of Toronto’s offense.

Matthews was born in San Ramon, California, to Brian Matthews (from California) and Ema Matthews (originally from Hermosillo, Mexico). When he was an infant, the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he grew up in what many considered a nontraditional hockey market.

He began attending Phoenix Coyotes games as a toddler and developed an early fascination with the sport and the rink environment. Matthews started playing hockey around age five, joining local youth programs and spending long hours at area rinks while balancing other sports during childhood. As his talent became clear, he followed an accelerated development path that eventually led him to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), where he drew national attention for his scoring production and overall skill set.

In his draft-eligible year, Matthews chose a less common route for a top North American prospect by playing professionally in Switzerland with the ZSC Lions (2015–16). The experience gave him a season against older competition and helped refine his game away from the puck, while also keeping his scoring touch intact.

Toronto selected Matthews No. 1 overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, and he immediately justified the pick. He announced himself in memorable fashion by scoring four goals in his NHL debut and went on to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year.

Over the seasons that followed, Matthews developed into the centerpiece of the Maple Leafs. He has been a frequent NHL All-Star and a consistent league-leading goal threat, highlighted by multiple seasons at or near the top of the NHL scoring race. Among his best-known accolades are the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer, the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player as voted by the NHLPA), and the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP—recognition that underscored both his production and overall impact.

Matthews also earned a major leadership milestone when Toronto named him the franchise’s 26th captain on August 14, 2024, succeeding John Tavares and becoming the first U.S.-born player to wear the “C” for the Maple Leafs.

Internationally, Matthews has represented the United States at multiple levels, including the Under-18 world championships and the world junior tournament, where he has been recognized as a difference-maker and one of the team’s primary offensive drivers.

Matthews comes from an athletic family. His father played college baseball, and his uncle, Wes Matthews, briefly played in the NFL. He has two sisters, Alexandria and Breyana. Because of his mother’s Mexican heritage, Matthews has spoken about his connection to both cultures and has said he can speak some Spanish.

Off the ice, Matthews has pursued education through online coursework and has been open about a few everyday interests—favorite athletes he admired growing up, sports movies he enjoyed, and the players whose complete, 200-foot style influenced him. While he is a global hockey star, his public persona has generally been more reserved than flashy, with most of his attention staying on preparation, performance, and leadership responsibilities with Toronto.

Auston Matthews' Religious Beliefs

Matthews’ faith background is connected to his family. According to the detail you provided, he was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through his mother, who is Mexican and a practicing member. In public coverage, Matthews tends to keep faith private compared with his on-ice work, but this LDS upbringing is part of his personal foundation and family story.

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