On Friday, 18-year-old Auston Matthews became the first American to be selected No. 1 in the NHL Draft since 2007. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound center was snapped up by the Toronto Maple Leafs, after leading the Swiss Elite League’s Zurich Lions last season with 24 goals.
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[fusion_title size=”4″]AUSTON MATTHEWS’ HIGHLIGHTS[/fusion_title]
Before his pro stint in Switzerland, Matthews led the United States to the 2015 IIHF U18 World Championship title in Zug. He was named tournament MVP after tallying 8 goals and 7 assists in seven games.
With 116 points (55 goals, 61 assists), Matthews shattered the National Team Development Program record of 102, set by Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane in 2005–06.
[fusion_title size=”4″]RAISING ARIZONA[/fusion_title]
Born in California, Matthews was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was naturally gifted at baseball, but as a tyke his interest in hockey was piqued upon seeing a Zamboni machine at a Coyotes game. Later, it was the sport’s non-stop action that had Matthews seeking out hockey rinks in the desert southwest.
Naturally, growing up in golf-centric Scottsdale, Matthews has also acquired some skills on the links.
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