"Fun to see a lot of kids skipping school": Auston Matthews makes feelings known about Toronto Maple Leafs' outdoor practice

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews is excited for the Leafs' upcoming outdoor practice on Monday. This year’s outdoor practice will be held at the Prince of Wales rink in Mimico for the first time.

Matthews called it “a blast” and mentioned how much he enjoys seeing fans, especially kids skipping school to attend.

"It’s a blast. It’s always a big turnout, and fun to see the fans and a lot of kids who are skipping school and making their way out and supporting the guys," Auston Matthews said, as quoted by Terry Koshan. "I always enjoy the opportunity to get out there."

The outdoor practice weekend will feature various activities, including viewing parties for the Leafs and the Toronto Sceptres, a Maple Leafs Alumni Game and meet-and-greets with alumni.

Brendan Shanahan, the Leafs president and Alternate Governor, talked about the importance of the outdoor practice event for the team.

“The Outdoor Practice has become a special tradition for our team and fans, bringing us closer to the communities that support us so passionately,” Shanahan said, per NHL.com. “There’s something magical about playing outdoors at local rinks, just as many of us did when we first fell in love with the game.

"For me, growing up in the neighbourhood, the Prince of Wales rink—with its view of the Toronto skyline and the howling winds off Lake Ontario — holds a special place in my heart."

There will also be free skate rentals and pop-up events in “The Lot.” The practice is a part of the team’s effort to connect with local communities.

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Auston Matthews' performances amid injury in his first season as Leafs captain

Auston Matthews has been impressive for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, with 20 goals and 18 assists in 35 games. Last season, he scored a career-high 69 goals but missed 15 games this season due to injury leading to his reduced numbers.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have a 30-18-2 record and are first in the Atlantic Division. They’ve lost five of their last eight games after winning five straight. They are scoring 3.08 goals per game and allows 2.88 goals.

Their power play is at 21.6%, while their penalty kill is 80.5%. William Nylander leads the team with 28 goals. Mitch Marner has 53 assists and 68 points. Both players are key to the Leafs’ offense this season.

Auston Matthews, drafted first overall by the Leafs in 2016, is leading the team from the front in his first season as captain.