Did you know San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Giles and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight are close friends?
The two went out to lunch on Wednesday before facing each other in the NHL for the first time. The Florida Panthers organization traded both players. Giles and Knight played together at the USNTDP, Boston College, Charlotte Checkers, and the Panthers.
“Patty and I go way back. I can say that he’s just a first-class human being. I think everyone loves having him in the locker room,” Knight told SHD. “He works his bag off all the time. He’s always working hard, and he’s always got a really good attitude. He’s a guy that I would take on my team any day.”
Giles echoed the same thoughts about Knight if he were to build a team.
“That means a lot coming from him,” Giles said. “It just goes to show what we’ve been through and how much time we spend together. If I’m building a team, he’s 100% on it, too. Let’s get that squared away.”
Giles is coming off a game where he scored his first NHL goal, and Knight told SHD he’s happy he wasn’t the one in goal when he scored.
Knight was traded just four days before Giles, and each player contacted one another after both trades.
“When I got traded, He texted me [saying], ‘Did you have any idea? I’m like, no idea,” Knight said. “I was so shocked. I think the next day or something, same thing. After dinner, I texted him. ‘Did you have any idea? He was like, ‘I had no idea.”
Giles told SHD that Knight didn’t ask to make plans to get lunch but claimed they did. The Sharks forward sought help from Henry Thrun about where to take Knight in the San Jose area. They went out for lunch in Santana Row on Wednesday.
“He texted me; I think it was after his Colorado game. He was like, Hey, we’re coming. We’re grabbing lunch. I was fired up,” Giles said. “Henry Thrun helped me out.”
Knight and Giles are both in opportunities to expand their NHL careers. Knight has a chance to be a starting goalie for the Blackhawks. Giles could become a full-time NHL player with the Sharks for the first time in his professional hockey career.
“[We’re both in similar situations. He’s a little, maybe, further along, playing more games. But anytime you get to play in this league, it’s a great opportunity, and these past couple of games have been great for me,” Giles said.
The San Jose Sharks forward raved about Knight’s ability to lead a locker room even as a goalie during their time with Charlotte.
“The biggest thing about Knighter is, when he came to Charlotte, he was all in. He wanted to win a championship. He let everyone know that, and he leads by example,” Giles said. “For goalies, it’s different. You don’t see him wearing a letter. They can definitely lead by example, and especially a guy like Knight. Coming down from Florida, being a first-round pick. Coming in and embracing everything, and giving everything he has. That goes a long way.”
Knight raved about Giles’ work ethic and no-question attitude.
“He’s very selfless, and he wants a team to do well. He’s willing to give what he can. He doesn’t try to be the main character. He just wants to be part of the team. And that’s why I love playing with him,” Knight said.
“That’s why I love him as a person. He’s always there for you. It is just one of those things. We’re really tight. We always text. I’m glad he’s got an opportunity [in San Jose]. I am absolutely pumped for him.”
Knight will start in goal for the Chicago Blackhawks tonight as they visit Giles and the San Jose Sharks at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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