Auston Matthews Reveals Hilarious Story of How Team USA GM Bill Guerin ‘Kicked’ Him Off 4 Nations Roster Over a Birthday Cake
Auston Matthews is no stranger to scoring goals, but even the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar couldn’t escape the playful wrath of Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin when it came to an unexpected—and hilarious—incident involving a birthday cake.
In a lighthearted moment that had fans and teammates laughing, Matthews recently shared how Guerin jokingly “kicked” him off the roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, all because of a simple dessert.
The story unfolded during a team gathering where the players celebrated a milestone for one of their own. As Matthews recalled, the team had organized a birthday celebration, complete with cake, when Guerin decided to playfully put his foot down.
“Bill came in and saw the cake, and he just lost it,” Matthews recounted with a chuckle. “He was like, ‘Are you kidding me? You’re out! We don’t need guys eating cake on this team!’”
Of course, Guerin was joking, but his delivery had everyone momentarily stunned before the room erupted in laughter. The former NHL star and current Minnesota Wild GM is known for his fiery personality and quick wit, making the moment even more memorable.
Matthews reassured fans that he is, indeed, still on the Team USA roster and ready to hit the ice for the prestigious 4 Nations tournament, where the United States will face off against Canada, Sweden, and Finland.
The exchange between Matthews and Guerin is just another example of the fun, yet competitive, atmosphere that surrounds international hockey. While the tournament is serious business, moments like these show the camaraderie and spirit that define Team USA’s locker room.
As for the cake? Matthews didn’t confirm whether he actually got a slice, but knowing his goal-scoring prowess, he’ll probably settle for feasting on opponents when the puck drops.
