Hockey legend Don Cherry prompts cheers as gold medalist Auston Matthews returns to Toronto

Auston Matthews led Team USA to the Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating Team Canada 2-1 in overtime. Now, as he returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs after the Olympics were suspended, all eyes will be on the reaction of the home crowd at Scotiabank Arena.

Matthews has faced some backlash since he and his teammates visited the White House to celebrate their victory, with some fans reportedly calling for booing during the tribute ceremony on Saturday night.

However, hockey legend Don Cherry came to Matthews’ defense, urging fans to root for him.

“You should (clap him) because the way (American hockey players) have been treated is ridiculous,” Sheri of Coach’s Corner fame told The Sun on Friday.

Cherry also said he would stand up and cheer for Matthews when watching the match on television, in appreciation of his Olympic gold medal win.

“As he watched on television Saturday night, Don Cherry said he would stand up to cheer on the Maple Leafs captain for winning the Olympic gold medal for the United States.

With the Maple Leafs struggling this season and Team Canada losing in the gold medal game to their biggest rival, it will be interesting to see how Scotiabank Arena handles its captain on Saturday.

Former Maple Leafs enforcer slams Toronto media over Auston Matthews and Team USA handshake controversy with Donald Trump

Former Maple Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill criticized Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox this week over his coverage of Auston Matthews’ visit to the White House after Team USA won Olympic gold.

Cox’s article, titled “Auston Matthews Made His Choice, Seemingly Putting Party and President Ahead in Playoffs,” suggested that Matthews prioritized a White House and President Trump celebration over immediately returning to Toronto and focusing on a Maple Leafs playoff push.

Former Maple Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill criticized the media, saying:

“What a loser. Take your politics, stick them up your ass. We’re here to talk about hockey.”

The Maple Leafs currently sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 27-23-9. They host the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena next Saturday, with puck drop at 7:30 PM ET.