Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews became the first player in the NHL's modern era to score four goals in his debut, an accomplishment that drove his mother to tears.

"Those were tears of joy," Ema Matthews told Sportsnet during the Maple Leafs game against the Ottawa Senators. "I feel very excited. This is what Auston has been dreaming since he was 6, playing right here in the NHL, so he's doing it. So I'm very excited, very happy for him."

Brian Matthews, Auston's dad, and Ema were at Canadian Tire Centre to watch the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft play against the Senators in the season opener. Their reactions to his historic night were almost as good as the goals themselves.

"I am hoping nobody is going to wake me up here anytime soon," Brian Matthews told Sportsnet. "This is unbelievable."

Video: TOR@OTT: Matthews' parents on his NHL debut