Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies attended the wedding of his former University of Minnesota teammate, Grant Cruikshank, and Elizabeth Janikowski in Wisconsin this past weekend, sharing moments from the celebration on social media. The occasion marked a joyful reunion between former Golden Gophers teammates as they commemorated not only a marriage but also their hockey journeys together.
Celebrating Friendship and Milestones at the Wedding
On Monday, Matthew Knies posted a series of photos on Instagram from the wedding festivities, captioning the post with heartfelt congratulations. One image captured a lively group shot on the dance floor, where Knies and other guests wore white caps in honor of the couple. Another photo showed Knies outdoors at sunset alongside the groomsmen, all dressed in black suits and bow ties, highlighting the formal yet warm atmosphere of the event.
Additional pictures captured Knies sharing a smile with the newlyweds during the afterparty, reinforcing the close bond they maintained beyond their shared hockey experience. The final images showcased the joyful crowd on the dance floor, emphasizing the late-night celebrations and camaraderie.
From Teammates at the University of Minnesota to Professionals in Hockey
Matthew Knies and Grant Cruikshank were teammates on the Golden Gophers men’s hockey team during the 2021-22 NCAA season, competing together in the Big Ten Conference at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. This shared history laid the foundation for their enduring friendship well beyond college hockey.
Grant Cruikshank currently plays for the Hershey Bears, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Washington Capitals. After two seasons with the Toronto Marlies, Cruikshank re-signed a one-year contract with Hershey for the 2025-26 season, continuing his development in professional hockey.
Supporting a Loved One at the 2025 PWHL Draft
Matthew Knies recently showed support for his girlfriend, Ella Huber, as she was selected 10th overall in the second round of the 2025 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Draft by the Boston Fleet. On August 13, Huber officially signed a two-year contract with the team, securing her place through the 2026-27 season.
Huber shared her own reflections on draft day through her Instagram, posting photos that included her walk to the stage when drafted, posing with Knies and her parents, and holding an official Boston Fleet stick for the occasion. Her college career at the University of Minnesota was distinguished, where she served as captain in her senior year and amassed 140 points across 157 games.
Ella Huber’s Journey to Professional Hockey
Before turning professional, Ella Huber made significant contributions to the University of Minnesota‘s hockey program over four years, finishing with a career-high 48 points in her last season. She also rose through the ranks playing for the Chicago Mission program, where she won multiple state, regional, and national championships.
Her talent was further recognized on the international stage when she earned a gold medal representing Team USA at the 2020 U18 World Championship, underscoring her promising future in the sport.
The Lasting Impact of Hockey Friendships and Future Prospects
Matthew Knies attends teammate wedding moments like these that highlight the deep personal connections forged through hockey. The gathering not only celebrated wedding vows but also reaffirmed bonds formed on ice during college and professional careers. With Cruikshank continuing his career in the AHL and Huber embarking on her professional journey in the PWHL, Knies remains closely connected to his hockey family as their careers progress.
Such events illustrate how athletes balance life milestones with their sporting ambitions, setting a hopeful tone for what lies ahead both on and off the rink.
“My two favorite people got married! Congratulations to the Cruikshanks!!” —Matthew Knies