Auston Matthews Jokingly 'Kicked Off' Team USA by GM Bill Guerin
Auston Matthews might have a second career as a comedian after he took s humorous jab at Team USA GM Bill Guerin -- and it may have "cost" him.
With Team USA having an impromptu celebration for coach John Hynes' 50th birthday, spirits were high ahead of their game against Team Canada on Saturday night.
Complete with birthday cake, it was a sweet reminder of the humanity of pro athletes. However, Auston Matthews took it as a chance to practice his comedy skills at the expense of his team's GM -- Bill Guerin.
While it seems like low-hanging fruit to poke fun at Guerin, who may have enjoyed a few extra retirement beers, the GM had the last laugh though.
Guerin called to inform Matthews that he was off the squad due to him roasting the GM, though clearly was all in good fun. It's a bit of levity ahead of a very intense and highly anticipated matchup with Team Canada.
For what it's worth, Guerin could always just point to his resume if he wanted a comeback. Over 1263 games he had 429 goals and 427 assists and is a two-time Stanley Cup winner.
Matthews is just one part of a very dangerous USA team that also includes the Tkachuk Brothers, Connor Hellebuyck, and Zach Werenski among a slew of other stars.
The Americans took their first game of the tournament easily by dispatching of Finland 6-1, meanwhile Canada needed overtime to get past Sweden although they looked in control for a good part of the game; it was Matthews' Maple Leafs teammate Mitch Marner who played hero -- but the team needs a complete effort on Saturday night.
While we've seen Matthews' humorous side with his roast of Guerin, but during this tournament we've seen the passionate and sentimental side as well. As captain, he handed out the 'Johnny Hockey Player of the Game' jersey -- a symbol of inspiration from fallen Team USA member Johnny Gaudreau.
It's going to be arguably the hottest game of the tournament (until these two meet in the Finals) and no doubt will there be an outpouring of boos, cheers, chants, and jeers.
But if Matthews thinks it'll be an easy ride past the Canadians -- it'll be anything but a piece of cake.
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529741.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) plays the puck against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
