Gophers forward Matthew Knies discusses playing hockey in Arizona, Nebraska, Minneapolis and around the world

"What would a kid from the desert know about hockey?" If you are a Minnesota Gophers fan who asked that question a year ago, you received an emphatic answer from Matthew Knies on the ice last season. The good-sized forward who is a draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs burst onto the college hockey scene and was an offensive catalyst with his size and skill, playing a vital role in their Big Ten title and their run to the Frozen Four. He also skated for Team USA at the World Junior Championships and the Winter Olympics in his "spare time." Back in his native Arizona for the summer, where it was 111 degrees when he talked to The Rink Live, Knies is preparing to host a summer hockey camp and looking forward to another college hockey season in maroon and gold. For more hockey coverage, visit The Rink Live.