“Hope they can stay,” Matthew Knies ‘not too happy’ with Arizona Coyotes moving to Utah for possible relocation

NHL forward Matthew Knies recalls his childhood days growing up with the Coyotes, as the team engages in possible relocation talk from Arizona to Utah.

“Hope they can stay,” Matthew Knies ‘not too happy’ with Arizona Coyotes moving to Utah for possible relocation

Matthew Knies [Image Credit: Imago]

Arizona Coyotes‘ move to Utah has not only fans, but even NHL players upset about the relocation talks. One of the players who voiced about the team’s possible move is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. Knies grew up and spent his youth hockey days in Arizona. Coyotes were a big motivation for the young player at that time.

Recalling his childhood days, Knies mentions how much “the Coyotes did a lot for me growing up.” He reveals going to see the games and being a part of ice hockey became a huge factor for the young forward to start his career as an NHLer. He notes he’s, “Not too happy with the situation” of the Coyotes moving to Utah.

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The talk about the team moving to Salt Lake City has been going on for a while. The franchise was also looking for a permanent home since their move from Winnipeg to the Valley in 1996. Although, Knies knows the relocation talk and decisions are “out of my control”, there’s still hope “they can stay”. Coyotes’ stay in Arizona over the years has inspired many young kids to join the sport and has been an inspiration for many.

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The Coyotes were a big part of that, and so it’s definitely gotten a lot better. I know a lot of kids are starting to pick up a hockey stick now, and it’s just really good to see. So, again, hope they can stay there.
Matthew Knies as per Remy Mastey of The Hockey News.

It’ll be sad to see the team relocate to Utah. Regardless of the final decision, everyone hopes the Coyotes will leave a blueprint behind in the Valley for the next generation to love the sport and grow to be a part of it. 

Coyotes head coach Andre Tourigny proud of the team for showing resilience despite relocation chaos 

Arizona Coyotes head coach Andre Tourigny said that he’s proud of his team for keeping their focus on the regular season games rather than getting distracted amidst the relocation chaos. The team won two big games against NHL’s best teams – the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.

Andre Tourigny [Image Credit: NHL.com]
Andre Tourigny [Image Credit: NHL.com]

Prior to their 3-2 OT victory against the Oilers, the team was told about their relocation to Utah. It was enough of a reason for letting the minds wander, however, the team’s win against the Oilers proved to be an emotional one. Tourigny his player’s resilience to keep the focus on the game saying, 

The guys are unbelievable…we played rock solid in terms of structure and focus, so I’m really proud of the boys.
Andre Tourigny on X.

He recalled the team’s 14-game losing streak back in January and how badly they handled the relocation rumors at that time. However, the team came together and fought against the noise to keep the focus on the Stanley Cup spot. 

He says the team is “more composed and under control” now. Further updates on the relocation talk will be revealed to the public in due time. Currently, the focus for the Coyotes will remain on the remaining regular season games and the Stanley Cup contention.

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