Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - USA Today Sports
Matthew Knies has reportedly lost 4 Nations Face-Off wagers to several players and personnel within the Maple Leafs organization, including head coach Craig Berube.
With national pride and international superiority to play for, it wasn't just the 38 players on the ice that had something on the line, with several teammates having placed friendly wagers on the game with one another.
For instance, Toronto Maple Leafs forward and Arizona native Matthew Knies sided with his brethren and reportedly placed friendly wagers with all the Canadians in the locker room, except for John Tavares who bowed out of the wagering, as reported by Nick Barden from The Hockey News
"It was an exciting game to watch. I'm upset, obviously. I had a few friendly bets in this locker room, so you don't want to see it happen. But it's how the game goes and at the Olympics, I'm going to be excited to watch those guys go at it again."
As for Berube and Knies, the fiery bench boss took part in the friendly wagering as well and is still waiting for the sophomore forward to pay up:
"I got some money from Kniesy," Berube chuckled. "He hasn't paid me yet, so I said, 'It'll be more tomorrow.'"
The Maple Leafs are back in action with a back-to-back set coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break as they host the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night before visiting the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.
William Nylander had already returned from the tournament after Sweden failed to qualify for the championship game, whereas Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews were in transit after the game but are expected to suit up this weekend after missing practice on Friday.