A former Gopher's love for his college hockey team is a testament to the power of camaraderie and the NHL dream. But was it enough to prepare him for the big leagues?
Matthew Knies, a former star winger for the University of Minnesota's Gophers, recently reminisced about his college days, claiming that playing for the Gophers was the closest he'd come to experiencing the NHL.
A bold statement, but one that's not without merit. In a recent interview on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Knies reflected on the exceptional talent and camaraderie of his teammates. He said, "Practicing against and with those guys, it was like a preview of the NHL. We were an incredible team and an even closer group." And the numbers back him up.
Knies was a key player in the Gophers' consecutive Big Ten title wins in 2021-22 and 2022-23, reaching the Frozen Four both times. His impressive stats include 33 points as a freshman and 42 as a sophomore, with the Gophers nearly claiming the national championship in his second year.
The 2022-23 season was particularly special. The Gophers dominated the Big Ten with a 19-4-1 record, thanks to a roster filled with future NHL stars. However, they stumbled at the final hurdle, losing both the Big Ten Tournament and the national championship in heartbreaking fashion.
Despite these losses, the team's bond remained strong. Knies, who now lives with former teammates Jackson LaCombe and Jimmy Snuggerud during the summer, said, "We still train together. It's a shame we didn't win it all, but our lineup was something special."
This sense of community and talent attracted Knies to Minnesota in the first place. He chose the Gophers over his home state's Arizona State, citing the coaches' ability to build a great team and the impressive lineup. The decision paid off, as Knies signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs after his college career, making his NHL debut in the 2022-23 season.
And here's where it gets controversial. While Knies praises his college experience, some might argue that the NHL is a different beast entirely. College hockey, no matter how competitive, may not fully prepare players for the intensity and skill of the professional league.
Knies, however, has proven his worth in the NHL, racking up 94 points in two full seasons and securing a substantial contract with the Maple Leafs. So, was his college experience truly the 'closest thing' to the NHL? The debate is open, and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
