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The captain of the USA team’s men’s hockey team returned to the NHL’s home ice – ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto – and the Canadian faithful could have made it worse for him when he returned home.
Matthews, who helped Team USA defeat Canada in the gold medal game, knew he would be returning north of the border to continue his 2025-26 NHL season. But the recognition he received was surprisingly good despite being part of the team that upset Canada in Milan.
During the stoppage of the game against the Ottawa Senators, led by Matthews’ US teammate Brady Tkachuk, the Maple Leafs gave recognition to three of their teammates who represented their countries in the Milan Cortina Games.
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Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up before facing the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena on February 28, 2026 in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/NHLI)
After introducing Swedish stars William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Arena PA announcer introduced the Leafs’ “gold medal” captain to Matthews, who initially received some jeers.
Then, the entire stadium stood up to give Matthews a standing ovation as he was called by the announcer. So, instead of criticizing Matthews for what happened overseas, the fans applauded their veteran before the game started.
The TSN broadcast also showed Tkachuk on his Senators bench, looking up at the video board and smiling as Matthews was called.
Auston Matthews of the United States, right, celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the first round ice hockey match between the United States and Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Mathews was among the stars of Team USA who visited President Donald Trump and the White House ahead of his State of the Union address, which has sparked widespread backlash and criticism.
The players stood strong, pointing to American pride as to why they decided to take the Air Force plane to the White House following their historic victory over Canada.
And before returning to Canadian home ice, Matthews and the Maple Leafs were in Tampa Bay against the Lightning, where the fans at Amalie Arena gave the visitor a big reaction. The brief praise from the fans of the Lightning once again showered on him.
Although Matthews was happy to win his gold medal, it has been a rough ride for Toronto this season. They sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 27-24-9 (63 points), where they have now lost three games in a row after losing 5-2 to the Senators.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck during the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena on March 1, 2026 in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Matthews had an assist in the loss, and Tkachuk did the same for his winning team. Nylander scored one of the Maple Leafs’ two goals.
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