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Spencer resumed his goalie position at the 2021 World Junior Ice<br />
Hockey Championships, helping to secure a gold medal for the<br />
United States. Advancing an already notable status, Knight began<br />
his Florida Panthers career as the 2020-21 season was coming<br />
to a close, and has afforded Panther fans one of the most exciting<br />
inaugural performances in NHL history. According to Knight, the<br />
feeling is reciprocated.<br />
“My introduction into the NHL was very unique because it was<br />
during covid, so we were in front of an empty arena. I started towards<br />
the end of 2021, and was able to play a few games with my<br />
new teammates. The following year was my first full season, which<br />
included a lot of learning and nerves. Conquering those beginning<br />
obstacles and becoming familiar with NHL level hockey was an interesting<br />
process.”<br />
FLA Live Arena located in Sunrise, Florida serves as the Panthers<br />
home base, and is now filled with onlookers cheering for their team.<br />
“It’s loud, which absolutely adds a fun element to the game<br />
while being a great reminder of what life was like before the<br />
pandemic. The fans here are full of energy, and their enthusiasm<br />
drives you to play your best.”<br />
Knight has reached a pinnacle of success not easily attainable,<br />
and from an outsider’s perspective, has done so at a seemingly<br />
breakneck pace.<br />
“Without a doubt it has gone by fast. When I take time to reflect<br />
on the past three years, sometimes the days feel long, but there’s<br />
so much going on during the season you don’t have a moment to<br />
think about it. In the summer is when I sit back and contemplate<br />
everything that has transpired.”<br />
Obtaining global recognition, Knight understands that in wearing<br />
Florida Panthers jersey number 30, he represents his team in<br />
everything he does on and off the ice.<br />
“You’re going to be judged whether you do or don’t do well, so you<br />
have to try and block out the noise. When I was young, hockey just<br />
seemed like an amazing sport to play, but it can be a lot of pressure<br />
when you are observed by millions of people. Those kids that look<br />
up to you, some might be in your shoes soon, so I make an effort to<br />
put a favorable image out there. Personally, I remember growing up<br />
If you’re<br />
stepping<br />
off the ice<br />
uninjured<br />
after a game,<br />
that’s a win<br />
in itself.<br />
striving to imitate Henrik Lundqvist, and watching to see how he<br />
carried himself in every day life, as well as how he played.”<br />
To hold the title of goaltender in the top tier of ice hockey, is to<br />
accept one of the most demanding jobs in sports. With vulcanized<br />
rubber pucks careening through the air at speeds of over 100 mph,<br />
risk of bodily trauma is constant.<br />
“There have been times when it creeps in my head how dangerous<br />
it can be, but we have great gear and protection. You can’t<br />
control the incoming shots, so you just have to go for it and have<br />
fun. If you’re stepping off the ice uninjured after a game, that’s a<br />
win in itself.”<br />
Knight continues to set records, becoming the first ever<br />
20-year-old to make his playoff debut in an elimination game. The<br />
Panthers rookie showed up to win, completing an impressive 36<br />
saves, which lead to a 4 - 1 home victory against the defending<br />
champions. When asked if he received advice from veterans on his<br />
team, Knight says he is grateful for any and all words of wisdom<br />
from those who have come before him.<br />
“Everyone’s situation is distinct. I definitely received some guidance,<br />
but the players lead mostly by example rather than simply<br />
telling you what to do. Ultimately I want to win hockey games, but<br />
you have to take it day by day. I enjoy the game when we beat our<br />
opponent, and some losses are harder than others... but there are<br />
always lessons to be taken from both. You either win or learn.”<br />
Knight has accepted a three-year extension on his initial contract,<br />
keeping him in Florida through the 2026 season. Bill Zito, General<br />
Manager of the Panthers, speaks about Knight with lofty praise and<br />
a wholehearted spirit.<br />
“Spencer is a phenomenal goaltender, as well as an exceptional<br />
athlete and person. He has thrived in his professional career, dedicating<br />
himself to his training through his first two seasons in our<br />
organization. With this extension, we are excited about the present<br />
and future of Panthers goaltending.”<br />
Spencer Knight, welcome to Florida. We’re thrilled you’re here.<br />
COPYRIGHTED<br />
***Visit www.FloridaPanthers.com to view post game interviews,<br />
learn the latest team information and purchase tickets.<br />
www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com | DECember <strong>2022</strong> | 61
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