Matthew Knies speaks following first home practice, not taking anything for granted
For Leafs rookie winger Matthew Knies, the last 8 days has been a whirlwind, first losing in the NCAA Frozen Four finals to Quinnipac University, then signing his ELC with the Leafs and heading straight out on the road, helping the Leafs win all 3 of their games following his signing, notching his first career NHL point and now preparing to enter the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It's a bit wild to think about, but before yesterday, Knies had yet to play or practice on home ice. Naturally, when an optional practice was announced, Knies wasn't about to let that opportunity to have his first skate at Ford Performance Centre pass him by. Knies joined a number of Leafs players on the ice on Saturday for practice in anticipation of the postseason.
While the session wasn't a full practice with proper line rushes, the moment was still a big one for Knies and none of the significance had escaped him at all. He's taking it all in and enjoying every minute of it. That much was evident when he spoke to the media after his very first practice in Toronto.
"Every day it's pretty exciting to wake up and tell myself 'you're an NHL player', then to come in this room as my day job. Not a lot of guys can say that." - Knies on the huge opportunity he is experiencing right now in the NHL
Obviously, this kid is taking nothing for granted and you absolutely love to see it. Not many NCAA products have the opportunity to play in the NHL at just 20 years of age, so for Knies to be able to make that jump, to recognize how special it is and to actually be making an impact so early on in his NHL career, it's pretty cool to witness.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 24 ANSWERS Matthew Knies speaks following first home practice, not taking anything for granted Is Matthew Knies on your opening night roster for the playoffs?? | ||
| Yes | 17 | 70.8 % |
| No | 7 | 29.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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