Hilary Knight

Hilary Knight is a forward and captain, most recently for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), and has served as a cornerstone of the United States women's national ice hockey team for nearly two decades. During her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, Knight led the Badgers to two NCAA national championships, earned the NCAA Tournament MVP Award, and became the program's all-time leader in goals and points—records that stand for any men's or women's player in Wisconsin history. She made her Olympic debut as the youngest player on either the U.S. men's or women's Olympic team. In 2026, it was announced that she signed a one-year foundational contract offer with the PWHL's expansion team in Las Vegas. This was the first step in a sign-and-trade agreement that will land Knight in Detroit.

Knight is a five-time Olympic medalist, winning gold at the PyeongChang and Milano Cortina Games and silver in Vancouver, Sochi, and Beijing. She scored a game-tying goal in the final minutes of the gold medal game against Canada at the Winter Olympics and was honored as a flag bearer at the closing ceremony. With the U.S. national team, Knight has won 10 gold medals at the IIHF World Women's Championship, the most by any hockey player, male or female, and holds the tournament's all-time records for goals, assists, and points. She was named the inaugural recipient of the IIHF Female Player of the Year Award and has earned three USA Hockey Bob Allen Women's Player of the Year honors. Knight has also been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and was honored by the city of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Knight made history as the first female skater (non-goalie) to practice with an NHL team when she took the ice with Anaheim Ducks. She has appeared on "Saturday Night Live," "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Knight has served as an on-air analyst for NBC during the NHL Playoffs, expanding her influence in hockey media and sports broadcasting.

Off the ice, Knight has been a leading advocate for gender equity in sports. She played a key role in the U.S. Women's National Team's efforts for equitable pay, including the team's collective stand ahead of the IIHF World Championships. Knight contributed to the establishment of the Professional Women's Hockey League, joining the executive committee of the PWHL Players Association at the league's founding. An MBA graduate, Knight combines athletic achievement with business expertise, shaping the future of women's hockey and sports leadership.