Matthew Knies, a Phoenix native playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is excited for his first NHL game in Arizona. However, he couldn't resist taking a playful jab at the state of hockey in his home state, particularly the struggling Arizona Coyotes.
Knies, anticipating a sizable turnout of family and friends at the game, joked that they might fill up a whole section of Mullett Arena, the Coyotes current home. This arena has faced criticism, with players voicing concerns about its facilities.
The Coyotes have been playing at Mullett Arena since 2022 after their lease at Gila River Arena expired. There have been ongoing issues with the team's ownership failing to secure land for a new arena, drawing criticism from the NHLPA.
