It's December 1st, and while many children are beginning to open advent calendars, grown men across the country are shaving their moustaches -- including Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews.
The moustache has become synonymous with Matthews in the hockey world over the last two years. But Matthews vowed to shave his signature facial hair if he reached his goal of raising $134,000 for men’s health as part of Movember, an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.
In total, Matthews raised $148,124 for the cause this year -- more than enough to part ways with the 'stache.
Beyond raising money for the cause, Matthews exuded some youthful exuberance when he met media with a clean-shaven face on Wednesday.
"Everybody kind of gave it a little bit of a double-take. It feels weird as well," said a smiling Matthews. "I feel like I'm 16 again."
Former teammate Nazem Kadri, who's in town as a member of the Colorado Avalanche, took that a step further.
"Looks like he's 10," said the red-hot Kadri.
All joking aside, the 24-year-old reflected on the support he received throughout November and the effect his campaign will have.
"It's going to make a difference and an impact, raise awareness for an amazing cause," said Matthews. "It means a lot, and if that means having to shave a moustache, then I'm all for it."
Could the 'stache return? You can bet on it.
"I think so. I didn't feel like myself when I saw it," said Matthews. "Might just take a little time to get used to."
Matthews began growing his moustache during a vacation to Mexico in the summer of 2019. He was mid-shave and decided to skip the lip to “kinda blend in with my heritage a bit.”
His mom, Ema, who is Mexican, loved it — and it stuck.
Matthews has 10 goals and nine assists in 20 games this season. The Maple Leafs take on the Avalanche Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet.
