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Matthew Knies Roasts His Hometown Arizona Coyotes Ahead Of Wednesday's Matchup


Samer Dagher
Feb 19, 2024  (6:20 PM)
Toronto Maple Leafs rookie forward Matthew Knies
Photo credit: The Athletic

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 Takes A Shot At The Deserted 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.
Leafs rookie Matthew Knies is "pretty fired up" to be heading home to Arizona

Expects 50 or 60 family/friends to be at Wednesday's game

The 21-year-old smiles

" ... which is probably a section at that arena"
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.
Despite calls for the Coyotes to relocate, the fact that both Knies and his Maple Leafs teammate Auston Matthews hail from Arizona suggests some impact of hockey in the state.
Which hometown Leafs player scores on Wednesday night?

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