Matthew Knies knows how fortunate he is to be one of the few to represent the United States on an Olympic team. But he’s even more of an anomaly, as he’s one of three Arizona-born hockey players in history to have had the honor of playing for the United States at the Winter Games.
When Knies competes for Team USA at the Beijing Olympics, he will join a small group of former Arizonans to form the US Olympic hockey team: Broc Little in 2018 and Lyndsey Fry in 2014.
The 19-year-old had the benefit of growing up with the burgeoning sport in his home state and has developed and developed his skills with the Phoenix Junior Coyotes Club program throughout his youthful career, rather than having to move to a different environment before his began Junior career at age 17 with the United States Hockey League’s Tri-City Storm.
“You look back at Arizona hockey and it wasn’t too much, but now you see all the growth that has come and I think it’s still growing. It’s only gotten better and it’s going fast now,” said Knies. “I think everyone is starting to pick up a hockey stick and start playing hockey.
“This opportunity for me to represent Arizona hockey at the Olympics will be huge.”
Knies credits the help of former coaches Steve Sullivan, Mike DeAngelis, and former Coyotes captain Shane Doan, as well as the Arizona Coyotes’ influence on his career. Knies also played alongside current Arizona State rookie Josh Doan during his four seasons with the Jr. Coyotes.
“When I was younger, still developing and becoming a mature hockey player, it was great to have these guys on the rink, I think it was great for them to be there and support me and support me in that Teach the game properly,” said Knies. “A lot of thanks goes back to my coaches in Arizona during my youth. I’m truly blessed and lucky to have all these guys in my corner.”
Known for his ability to combine power and finesse, the 6ft 3, 210lb center makes stunning plays on the ice. When it came time to finalize the rosters for the 2019 World Junior A Challenge and the 2021 World Junior Summer Showcase, his name could hardly be left off the list for Team USA.
In the heartbreaking and volatile time at the 2022 World Junior Championships in Canada, Knies scored a goal in a game before the tournament was canceled due to the spread of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant.
As hard as the news was, it wasn’t the end for Knies and USA Hockey. When the NHL announced it would not be sending its players to Beijing due to COVID-19 concerns, it gave way to a phone call that would change Knie’s life.
When Knies was alone at lunch, he looked at his phone and saw an unknown number calling.
“I had a pretty exciting call asking if I wanted to go. It was a pretty surreal moment that I’ll never forget,” Knies said.
The call left him stunned because he wasn’t entirely sure if he would be considered for the list. He had the thought in the back of his mind but wanted to focus on his ongoing freshman season at the University of Minnesota. But when he got confirmation, he had to call his parents.
“They really couldn’t believe it. They were kind of in awe for a while, until it hit them too. They were very happy for me, I could hear their emotions through the phone. They were just really happy that I could get another chance to play for Team USA and play for a medal,” Knies said. “They were pretty happy for me and it was quite a surreal moment for me to have to tell them that.
“It’s a pretty indescribable feeling. I got to do it for a game at World Juniors and it was very special to play for something much bigger than myself,” Knies added. “To play for these colors and for a country is quite surreal and I’m really grateful to be able to get this opportunity again. It’s definitely a wonderful feeling.”
Knies traded the sunny skies and desert landscape for the traditional, snowy vibe when he signed on to play on Minnesota’s famed hockey program. Adapting to winters almost mirrors his adaptation to the NCAA, as he hasn’t run into much trouble supporting new shoes. Much like his time in Minnesota, his teammates supported him during his freshman season as he made a quick impression for the No. 10 Gophers with 23 points in 24 games played.
Although the US team consists of 15 current NCAA players, eight European pros and two players from the AHL, Knies will not be total strangers to his teammates. He will be joined by fellow Minnesota player Ben Meyers and defense attorney Brock Faber. The different ages and experience levels are also an enticing advantage for Knies, who has only competed in several junior showcases on the international stage.
“For me, as a younger player, the most exciting thing is getting their thoughts and getting advice and being around professional athletes. This will help me a lot in living my life, how they eat, how they sleep, just the little things I can choose from them. I think it will be huge for me later in my career,” Knies said.
Knies is still early in his NCAA career, but he has a bright future ahead of him. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected him in the second round (57th overall) of the 2021 NHL draft last summer.
No matter what environment he plays in, he remains proud of his roots.
“I want everyone in Arizona hockey to know I’m representing them, and I want to do it in the best way possible. I’m really happy that I’m from Arizona and that I can represent them at a stage like this,” said Knies.
Olympic champion for ASU hockey
Arizona State hockey made history when junior forward Peter Zhong was named to the Team China roster, making him the first ASU player to make an Olympic hockey roster.
Zhong did not appear in any games with ASU that season as he took an Olympic break to focus on his training with Team China.
The 23-year-old, who was born in the host city of Beijing and grew up in Chicago, represented China on the international stage three times before being selected for the Olympics.
US Hockey Olympic preliminary round
Feb 10: vs. China, USA Network, 6:10 p.m. MT
Feb 12: vs. Canada, USA Network, 9:10 PM MT (Feb 11)
Feb 13: vs. Germany, USA Network, 6:10 a.m
Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-647-4122. Follow her on Twitter @jennarortiz.
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