Toronto Maple Leaf Auston Matthews will captain a team at Hockey Night in Brampton

Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews has been added to this year’s Hockey Night in Brampton charity game and will lead up one of the two teams.

The city confirmed on Friday that Matthews, a former Hart Trophy winner and three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, will captain one of the teams for the charity event in support of the Peel Memorial Centre upgrade project.

“I’m honoured and excited to be part of Hockey Night in Brampton this year,” Matthews said in a release. “It’s always special to give back to the community through the game that has given us so much.”

Matthews joins several former Leafs for the charity game, including former Toronto Maple Leafs goalie and Olympic Gold medalist Curtis “Cujo” Joseph, current unrestricted free agent Mark Giordano, and Hockey Hall of Famers Darryl Sittler and Wendel Clark.

And previous Hockey Night in Brampton games have seen fellow Leafs John Tavares, Mitch Marner and Max Domi all lace up.

“Seeing guys like Mitch, John and Max take part in the past made it clear how important this cause is. I’m looking forward to hitting the ice and being part of an incredible night for the fans,” Matthews said.

This year marks the fourth annual Hockey Night in Brampton charity event spearheaded by Mayor Patrick Brown. Over $14 million raised in support of the Peel Memorial Centre upgrade project during the 2024 game.

“This event has always been about bringing the best talent to our community to support a cause that matters most to the residents of Brampton,” Brown said in a release, adding that Matthews’ addition “takes the excitement to another level.”

The Hockey Night in Brampton game starts at 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the CAA Centre in Brampton. Tickets for the  charity game are on sale for $25 and are available at www.hockeynightbrampton.ca.