Yes, we’re celebrating the spirit of Glamada in this edition, the glamour and quiet fabulousness of the Great White North that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. And there’s no question that Montréal Canadiens alternate captain Mike Matheson embodies that spirit on and off the ice. One look at the elite athlete during downtime reveals that same polish and effortless chiness as he makes his way into charity events and Montreal galas alike, often in custom suiting from SARTORIALTO, a natural extension of the precision he brings everywhere else.
But what is also very telltale “Glamadian,” if you will, is something less visible: the ability to dream so big that the dream seems legitimately unattainable. The impossible dream, like growing up in Pointe-Claire rooting for the Bleu Blanc Rouge, with the hope of one day wearing the sweater as you glide around the hometown ice at the Bell Centre.
You saw it coming… not the puck, but Matheson, who exhibits that very trait in spades. He is that West Island kid with a dream who now lives it every day as a cornerstone defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens. He joined his actual dream team in 2022 and has since logged career highs, including signing a five-year, $30 million extension with the Canadiens, and receiving a prestigious nomination by the team for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to players who best exemplify perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
What’s it like to live your dream? We sat down with the hometown hero who gave it to us real:
MIKE, YOU DID IT. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO LIVE THE DREAM?
Living my dream is pretty incredible when you stop and think about it for a little while. There aren’t many home games that go by that I don’t think of my 8 year old self who was sitting in the nose bleeds section of the Bell Centre watching his favourite team play. I’m really lucky to play the sport I love for a living, but being able to do it for the team I grew up idolizing brings it to another level. Our team has taken a huge step the last couple years so it’s been really exciting to be part of that transition and I can’t wait to see how far we can go!
IF YOU COULD GIVE EVERYONE OUT THERE LOOKING TO REALIZE THEIR OWN DREAMS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I could give anyone any advice about chasing your dreams it would be to not be afraid to put your whole self into making them come true. No matter how big or small they may be, they are important because they are yours and no one else’s. As long as you dedicate yourself to doing everything in your power to make them come true, your persistence is what will push you far enough.
FINALLY, WE HAVE TO ASK – WHAT DOES GLAMADA MEAN TO YOU?
(The smile and wink said it all!)
MIKE’S CITY FAVES
JOE BEEF: Montréal icon, always buzzing
DIZZ’S BAGEL & DELI: classic West Island comfort
ARTHUR’S NOSH BAR: cult-favourite brunch spot
WILD WILLY’S: easy, low-key local
CAFÉ VICTOR ROSE: coflee + reset
PASTAMALFI: simple pasta, done right
SARTORIALTO: off-ice polish, tailored edge
Mike Matheson wears a bespoke silk suit, bespoke shirt, lapis lazuli and rose gold bracelet, and hand-painted silk pocket square, all by SARTORIALTO.