Matthew Knies didn’t waste any time settling the score with Zach Whitecloud on March 5.
Just four seconds into the Toronto Maple Leafs' last matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, the 22-year-old forward dropped the gloves for the second time in his career, throwing a series of heavy left-handed punches before both players hit the ice.
Returning home after a three-game road trip, Knies had the chance to reflect on the fight following Wednesday’s practice.
He explained that the decision to engage Whitecloud was premeditated, stemming from a hit he took back on November 20 that forced him to miss two games with an upper-body injury. His head hit the ice after being on the receiving end of a high hit from the Golden Knights defenseman.
“I think it just kind of lined up perfectly that we were both starting, and I thought I'd ask him and kind of get it out of the way early,” Knies said. “I just kind of earned some respect there, and I just wanted to get back at him a little bit for the hit.”
The fight was one that his teammates and head coach fully supported.
Mitch Marner also revealed post-game that Knies had informed team members beforehand that he intended to square off with Whitecloud if the opportunity presented itself.
And it did.
“He told us he was going to see if he could get that, obviously with the hit that happened the last time that we played them,” Marner explained. “He kind of gave us the heads up, so we didn’t know if it was going to happen or not. Great fight by Kniesy.”
With that, he's sent a clear message to opponents to be ready to answer the bell.
Craig Berube, a former enforcer in his playing days, also commended Knies for standing up for himself.
“I think going back to that hit, he wanted some redemption,” said Berube. “I give him a lot of credit to do that and get it out of the way early and then go play hockey.”
Knies said after practice at Ford Performance Centre that although he has not been paying attention to fan reactions to the fight, he was pleased to hear it was well-received.
“No, I haven’t. Not really, no,” Knies admitted when asked if he had seen the response. When told it was rather beloved by fans, he responded, “That’s good to hear.”
Knies continues to establish himself as a crucial part of the Maple Leafs' future, growing into a physical, two-way presence with the ability to make an impact in all areas of the game. At 6-foot-3 and 227 pounds, Knies has embraced the power forward style of play, quickly molding into his own.
In his second full season with the organization, the Phoenix, AZ., native has 24 goals, 19 assists, and 43 points in 60 games.
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