Berube was one of many speakers who participated in the annual event, which provides experience for up-and-coming coaches.

The Toronto Maple Leafs held their annual Coaches Open House, presented by Tim Hortons on Saturday morning. The event is designed to provide hockey coaches at all levels with insights and inspiration from experienced professionals. Attendees gathered at Scotiabank Arena to ask questions and gain new perspectives on teaching the game.

But when Auston Matthews stepped onto the ice for morning skate ahead of the club’s matchup with the Washington Capitals, the star forward unintentionally stole the spotlight – much to the amusement of Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

“Well, it was great because Auston (Matthews) was out there, so they weren't paying attention. And I was just talking to myself the whole time, which was perfect,” Berube joked. “I don't blame them. I'd be watching Matthews, too.”

Despite the distraction, Berube embraced the opportunity to connect with the up-and-comers, mentioning that the event was fulfilling and that every coach “has to start somewhere.”

“No, it's good. I think it's great. There's a lot of guys, a lot of people, a lot of coaches. I enjoy that stuff, talking to coaches, young coaches, and questions and things like that. I enjoy that,” said Berube.

“Yeah, everybody does (start somewhere), right? Whether you're a youth coach or junior coach or whatever, you're always looking to get new ideas. And, you know, it's the same as me. I'm always talking to coaches and reading things on coaches and getting new ideas and trying to learn and get better,” he added.

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The event, which ran from 7:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., provided attendees with a variety of sessions, including a conversation with Berube himself, general manager Brad Treliving, and President Brendan Shanahan. 

According to the program’s website, the free Open House focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the game and sharing the kind of expertise required to succeed at any level.

As mentioned, the timing of the event coincided with the Maple Leafs’ morning skate ahead of their matchup against the Capitals. Matthews, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, was a notable participant. It marked the first time the media had seen him on the ice since Toronto’s 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres, in which he scored a goal in 19:18 of ice time.

The forward skated for approximately 30 minutes on Saturday, a positive sign for a player who has missed his last three games and 12 games overall this season. While his return is not imminent, Berube shared optimism about Matthews’ progress.

“He's been on the ice the last couple of days, so making real good progress, which is great and he's feeling a lot better,” Berube said.

Matthews, who has 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 24 games this season, continues to be the focal point – even during an event aimed at coaches.

As Berube humorously put it, Matthews’ presence is hard to ignore.

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