“She’s one of, if not the, premier player in North America, and certainly the United States,” said Joel Johnson, head coach of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Team. “I think that, in and of itself, you’re talking about a record-breaking career. One of the things people don’t talk about is the longevity of her career and the fact that she continues to get better with every event she plays in. The accomplishments and the litany of things you can write down statistically speak for themselves.”
Knight put forth one of the most prolific performances by a U.S. women’s player in Olympic history. She posted 10 points, good for third overall in the tournament, but tied for second all-time in a single Olympic Winter Games by a U.S. player. Her six goals were also tied for second in U.S. history during a single Olympic tournament.
Knight’s goals were significant ones, too, among them a pair of game-winners and an important shorthanded goal during the gold-medal game against Canada. Her defensive efforts were just as impressive, as Knight posted a plus-six through seven games.
“I pride myself on playing shut-down defense,” Knight said. “I don’t want to get scored on and I don’t want our group to get scored on. You have to be able to play all three zones.”
In the lead-up to the Olympic Winter Games, Knight scored four goals and five points in six games during the My Why Tour, presented by Toyota against Canada. Knight now has 12 goals and 27 career points in Olympic competition. That’s first among active U.S. players and second all-time in points behind Jenny Potter, third in goals behind Natalie Darwitz and Katie King and second in assists behind Potter.
“She’s grabbed the spotlight and kept it for a decade,” Johnson said. “When I look at Hilary, she’s had a great career and has been one of if not the best performing players for Team USA for a long time. She splashed onto the scene early at Wisconsin and she keeps getting better. The reason she keeps getting better is because she’s a complete player and she’s still providing one of the best offensive threats in the game.”
Million was impressed to see Knight’s continued climb up the record books in Beijing.
“Hilary Knight just keeps racking up awards,” Million said. “She’s just an outstanding player. The longevity, loyalty and commitment is incredible and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
Knight, of Sun Valley, Idaho, has been a mainstay on the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2006. She helped Wisconsin to a pair of national championships and also won titles in the professional space as well.
Knight is tied for the most Olympic appearances and medals won, both with four. She won an all-important gold medal in 2018 and three silver medals in 2010, 2014 and 2022. Knight has also won eight gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championships and three silver medals.
Knight credited teammates for one of the most decorated careers in U.S. women’s hockey history.
“I think any hockey player knows that you don’t sign up for the individual accolades,” Knight said. “It’s one of those things where you play with great people and sometimes you get rewarded individually for it. It’s a testament to the program and the type of women we have in that room. That’s what keeps drawing me back and wanting to represent our country.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
