When Auston Matthews' mom opened up about facing hardships to finance 'very expensive' hockey: "I was very fortunate to have two jobs"

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified May 15, 2025 06:29 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

Auston Matthews' journey to NHL stardom started with the hard work and sacrifice of his parents, especially his mom, Ema Matthews.

Auston was born in San Ramon, California, to Brian and Ema, and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ema is from Hermosillo, Mexico, and worked as a flight attendant when she met Brian, who was working for an airline in Los Angeles at the time. Brian is a former baseball player who once hoped Auston would follow in his footsteps, but he chose hockey instead after watching the Phoenix Coyotes play.

In an October 2021 interview with ESPN, Ema explained how the cost of hockey was a big challenge for the Matthews family. She said she worked two jobs — mornings at Starbucks and afternoons at a restaurant — to help cover the expenses.

"We were struggling," Ema said. "And we knew that hockey was very expensive. I worked for Starbucks and back then I met a customer and she offered me a job as a hostess in a restaurant and I took it. So I used to work in the morning for Starbucks and in the afternoon at the restaurant.

"I was very fortunate to have two jobs. And believe me, if they would have more hours, I would have more jobs."

Ema's dedication helped Auston Matthews continue playing the sport he loved. In the same interview, Matthews reflected on his journey.

"It’s tough because we went through a lot of hard times,” he said.

Matthews played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and then spent a season in Switzerland with ZSC Lions, where he won a Swiss Cup. In 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him first overall. Today, he is the team’s captain.

---

Auston Matthews's mom reflected on his four-goal debut

Ema Matthews also shared how she felt when she watched her son get drafted in 2016.

"That was the best. I saw my son's dream achieved," Ema said. "To see my son come from where he came, all the work that he did, and be chosen number one—it was unbelievable."

Auston scored four goals in his first NHL game against the Ottawa Senators. He became the first player in modern NHL history to net four times on his debut.

"When you see your son score four goals in his first game , it's just like you are dreaming. And this is the kid. This cannot be possible," Ema said.

Matthews' second goal stood out. He beat several Ottawa players and scored without help.