(KXAN) – Hilary Knight, captain of Team USA women’s hockey, will compete in her fifth Olympics next month in Milan.
At age 36, she is the only player on the team with four Olympic medals and a significant influence on women’s hockey.
“The Olympics are so special and so magical,” Knight said. “It’s a huge honor to represent your country on the world stage.”
Knight, a multi-world stage medal holder, has won four Olympic medals and 15 World Championship medals. She is regarded as a role model within her team, particularly to younger players like 23-year-old Team USA defenseman Caroline Harvey, who praised her experience and work ethic.
As the longest-tenured player on Team USA, Knight carries jersey number 21 in honor of Cammi Granato, the captain of the inaugural women’s hockey Olympic team that won gold in 1998.
Knight’s legacy extends beyond personal achievements, as she played a pivotal role in establishing the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), now in its third season, which aims to provide a sustainable professional hockey option for women in the U.S.
Team USA goaltender Aerin Frankel noted the excitement surrounding the PWHL, saying, “It’s been incredible. The fan support has just exceeded all of our expectations.”
Harvey also expressed her admiration for Knight, saying, “She’s been around so long and achieved so much and so much great experience, so I can always look to her. She’s such a rock on this team.”
She said it’s Knight’s dedication that inspires her and other players on and off the ice.
Team USA Video Coach Melissa Piacentini also praised Knight’s contributions to the team as she builds on her legacy not only at the Olympic Games, but in all of women’s sports.
“She’s sacrificed a lot to make this league be what it is, and it’s very motivating and inspiring as well,” Piacentini said.
Knight herself reflected on her journey, telling Nexstar, “Any time you have the opportunity to go to the Olympics is incredible. And then that doubles down every time you have an opportunity to win an Olympics is that next step.”
Although this will be her final Olympic competition, Knight plans to continue playing in the PWHL for the Seattle Torrent, where she aims to further contribute to the growth of women’s hockey. Her impact on the sport will continue as she inspires future athletes.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by Nexstar. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by Nexstar staff before being published.
