He is best known for his 35-year association with the Bears as a player, coach, GM, and President and was elected as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builder's category in 1992.

[4] The Winnipeg Tribune reporter Vince Leah described Mathers as "a big, bulky, likeable kid, modest almost to a fault, extremely good-natured and best of all a true gentleman.

"[5] While competing with the Rangers during the 1943–44 season, Mathers began to draw attention from National Hockey League (NHL) scouts.

[6] During his time in the Air Force, Mathers was a fullback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League.

He eventually quit football to concentrate on hockey but rejoined the Blue Bombers in 1943 before transferring to the Ottawa Rough Riders.

[10] Mathers eventually agreed to play with the Leafs after he was told he lacked sufficient credits to enroll at the University of Ottawa.

Although a friend said he had plans to pursue his dentistry degree, Mathers later announced he just wanted to find a stable job in Pittsburgh.

[17] During his tenure with the Bears, Mather led them to the playoffs 30 out of 35 years; resulting in six Calder Cup championships and five times runners-up.

[18] In recognition of his efforts, he was the recipient of the 1987 Lester Patrick Trophy for his "contribution to ice hockey in the United States.

[20] In 1994, Mathers was named an honorary life member of the AHL's Board of Governors and was the namesake of a league-wide trophy.