At 36, Hilary Knight is still USA hockey's best player, she's also best in world

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At 36, Hilary Knight is still USA hockey's best player, she's also best in world

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Fri, Feb 20, 2026 ·

8 min read

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MILAN — Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" blasted on the speakers at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan ahead of the gold-medal game between the U.S. women's national hockey team and Canada .

"I got a feelin' that tonight's gonna be a good night," musician Will.i.am sang on the track. The song served as a premonition for what was to come: USA captain Hilary Knight had a good night, indeed.

The five-time Olympian scored a late equalizer to send the game to overtime, where Megan Keller's sudden-death goal lifted the Americans to the top of the podium for the first time since 2018. Knight's goal not only kept the Americans' hopes alive, it also established a new all-time U.S. Olympic record in points (33) and goals (15).

Knight, the first American hockey player, male or female, to win five Olympic medals, announced the 2026 Winter Games would be her last, but the 36-year-old proved her final Olympic lap was far from a swan song.

"Hilary always goes out with a bang," Kendall Coyne Schofield said, referring to Knight's whirlwind week filled with a marriage proposal to Brittany Bowe and a gold medal. "I mean you can't script it any better."

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Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Players of Team United States celebrate winning the gold medals after the team's 2-1 overtime victory in the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

USA's players celebrate after winning the women's gold medal ice hockey match between USA and Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on Feb. 19, 2026.
(JULIEN DE ROSA, AFP via Getty Images)

Cayla Barnes #3 of Team United celebrates winning the gold medals after the team's 2-1 overtime victory in the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

Team USA celebrates a goal against Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19.
(Amber Searls, Imagn Images)

Team USA celebrate winning the Gold Medal in Women’s ice hockey following overtime of the women's ice hockey gold medal game against Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19.
(Geoff Burke, Imagn Images)

Abbey Murphy of United States in action with Sarah Nurse of Canada during the Women's Gold Medal Game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics on Feb. 19.
(Marton Monus, Reuters)

Ann-Renee Desbiens #35 of Team Canada makes a save against Alex Carpenter #25 of Team United States in the second period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026, in Milan, Italy.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

Canada's #43 Kristin O'Neill (R) fights for the puck with USA's #13 Grace Zumwinkle during the women's gold medal ice hockey match between USA and Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on Feb. 19, 2026.
(JULIEN DE ROSA, AFP via Getty Images)

Emma Maltais of Canada is held back by linesperson Kristyna Hajkova during the Women's Gold Medal Game between the United States and Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics on Feb. 19.
(David W Cerny, Reuters)

Renata Fast and Ann-Renee Desbiens of Canada in action against Britta Curl of United States during the Women's Gold Medal Game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics on Feb. 19.
(Mike Segar, Reuters)

Emma Maltais (27) of Canada has words with linesperson Tiina Saarimaki (64) of Finland and referee Kelly Cooke (29) of the United States in the women's ice hockey gold medal game against the United States during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19.
(Amber Searls, Imagn Images)

Aerin Frankel (31) of the United States makes a save against Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19.
(Amber Searls, Imagn Images)

Aerin Frankel (31) of the United States blocks the shot by Daryl Watts (95) of Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19.
(Amber Searls, Imagn Images)

A Team USA skater moves up the ice against Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19.
(Geoff Burke, Imagn Images)

USA's #17 Britta Curl reacts after falling into the goal during the women's gold medal ice hockey match between USA and Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on Feb. 19, 2026.
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Britta Curl #17 of Team United States collides with Renata Fast #14 of Team Canada in the second period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Kristin O'Neill #43 of Team Canada scores a goal past Aerin Frankel #31 of Team United States in the second period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

A fan holds up a puck in the second period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)

Britta Curl #17 of Team United States and Ella Shelton #17 of Team Canada compete for the puck in the first period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)

Abbey Murphy #37 of Team United States competes for the puck against Ann-Renee Desbiens #35 and Claire Thompson #42 of Team Canada in the first period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
(Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)

Knight is not your typical superstar. She doesn't like to bask in the limelight and would prefer if it weren't on her at all. When Knight scored her 14th career Olympic goal in Team USA's 5-0 win over Finland on Feb. 7, she had "no idea" she tied the U.S. Olympic all-time scoring record held by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King.

While Knight noted it's "super special" to be mentioned among legendary players like Darwitz and King, she said the goal was no less special than every other she's scored along the way. And Knight has done plenty of that.

"I just love scoring and the pure elation of finding the back of the net and putting our team in a better position than we were before," added Knight. "It's just a little kid moment. ... It's pure excitement and it's fun to celebrate."

Although Knight herself couldn't care less about adding yet another record to her resume, some began to wonder if she would reach the points and scoring record before her Olympic career ended. Team USA crushed Italy and Sweden in the quarterfinal and semifinals, respectively, but Knight didn't get on the score sheet in either game.

But leave it to Knight to step up when Team USA needed her most. With their backs against the wall and the clock ticking down on their dreams, Knight tipped in a goal with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.

Hilary Knight (21) of the United States is hugged by teammates after scoring a goal against Canada.

When asked what went through her head after scoring, Knight recalled, "We're going to win the game. It was just that simple. Obviously we peppered their goaltender a lot and picked up momentum throughout the game, but you never want to run out of time, especially with a great team. So to find the back of the net, I was like, here we go, this is ours. ... It's a special feeling. It's a rare feeling, but you get that feeling with this group."

Lee Stecklein said it was the "perfect way for her to break (the record)." Stecklein added, "She's the best player of all time. To score goals like that as consistently as she did... it's just a classic Hilary Knight."

It's also typical Knight fashion to quickly shift the spotlight off her personal accolades onto what matters most: her teammates. That's what has kept her playing for two decades.

"I didn't want to put more pressure on us leading into... this tournament by saying we're the best hockey team in the world. I truly felt that at every single step," Knight said. "This was a testament to our preparation and the togetherness and the love and the family environment that we created in that room that we're willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and do it for one another."

Hockey player Hilary Knight of the United States poses for a photo during a Team USA Photo Shoot at Sunset Glenoaks Studios on May 20, 2025 in Sun Valley, Calif. Knight has won NCAA, Olympic and World championships.
(Harry How, Getty Images)

Hilary Knight of the Wisconsin Badgers gets the puck past Johanna Ellison #1 of the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs to score a goal in the second period on March 20, 2009 during the NCAA WomenÕs Frozen Four at Agganis Arena in Boston, Mass.
(Elsa, Getty Images)

Hilary Knight of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates her goal against the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs on March 20, 2009 during the NCAA WomenÕs Frozen Four at Agganis Arena in Boston, Mass.
(Elsa, Getty Images)

Jessie Vetter #30, Jasmine Giles #12, Erika Lawler, Hilary Knight (bottom right) and the rest of the Wisconsin Badgers pose with the championship trophy after they defeated the Mercyhurst Lakers on March 22, 2009 during the NCAA Women's Frozen Four Championship game at Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. The Wisconsin Badgers shut out the Mercyhurst Lakers 5-0.
(Elsa, Getty Images)

USA's Hilary Knight (21) controls the puck against Sweden's Frida Nevalainen (3) during the women's semifinal of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics on Feb. 22, 2010.
(H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY)

USA forward Hilary Knight celebrates her shootout goal against Canada in an exhibition hockey game at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. on Dec 28, 2013. USA defeated Canada 3-2 in a shootout.
(Brace Hemmelgarn, Imagn Images)

Team USA women's hockey forward Hilary Knight poses at a portrait session during the Team USA Media Summit at Canyons Grand Summit Hotel in Park City, Utah on Oct. 2, 2013.
(Russell Isabella, Imagn Images)

USA forward Hilary Knight (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Switzerland in a women's preliminary round women's ice hockey game during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Shayba Arena on Feb. 10, 2014.
(Winslow Townson, Imagn Images)

Team USA hockey player Hilary Knight poses for a photo during the 2018 U.S. Olympic Summit at Grand Summit Hotel in Park City, Utah on Sep. 25, 2017.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)

United States forward Hilary Knight (21) scores a goal against Canada in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre on Feb. 21, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea.
(James Lang, Imagn Images)

United States forward Hilary Knight (21) deflects the puck past Canada goaltender Shannon Szabados (1) for a goal during the first period in the women's ice hockey gold medal match during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre in Gangneung, South Korea on Feb. 22, 2018.
(Andrew Nelles, Imagn Images)

USA's Kendall Coyne (L) and Hilary Knight hold their gold medals and the US flag after the medal ceremony after the women's ice hockey event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Hockey Centre in Gangneung on February 22, 2018.
(JUNG YEON-JE, AFP via Getty Images)

USA forward Hilary Knight skates against Canada during the third period of a Rivalry Series women's hockey game at Leon's Centre on Nov. 21, 2021 in Kingston, Ontario.
(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)

Team United States forward Hilary Knight (21) dives for a puck in front of Team Canada defender Claire Thompson (42) in the second period of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at Wukesong Sports Centre on Feb. 8, 2022.
(George Walker IV, Imagn Images)

(L-R) Jincy Dunne #19, Megan Keller #5, Amanda Kessel #28, Jesse Compher #18, Abbey Murphy #37, Megan Bozek #9, Hilary Knight #21, Dani Cameranesi #24, Hayley Scamurra #16, Savannah Harmon #15 and their Team United States teammates huddle together at their net before the Group A Women's Preliminary Round ice hockey match between Team United States and Team Canada at Wukesong Sports Centre on Feb. 8, 2022 in Beijing, China.
(Pool photo by Jonathan Ernst via Getty Images)

Hilary Knight #21 of Team United States puts her own rebound into the net for a shorthanded goal against Ann-Renee Desbiens #35 of Team Canada in the second period during the Women's Ice Hockey Gold Medal match between Team Canada and Team United States on Day 13 of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Wukesong Sports Centre on Feb. 17, 2022 in Beijing, China.
(Pool photo by Jonathan Ernst via Getty Images)

USA forward Hilary Knight (21) advances the puck against Canada during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on Nov. 20, 2022 in Seattle, Wash. USA defeated Canada 4-2.
(Steven Bisig, Imagn Images)

USA captain Hilary Knight (12) stands in the middle of her team mates as they sing the national anthem after winning the gold medal match over Canada at CAA Center on April 16, 2023 in Brampton, Ontario.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)

USA forward Hilary Knight (21) celebrates with forward Alex Carpenter (25) after scoring a goal against Canada in the third period at CAA Center on April 16, 2023 in Brampton, Ontario.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)

USA's Hilary Knight stays focused at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, NY on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
(Daniel DeLoach, Utica Observer-Dispatch via USA TODAY Network)

Team King forward Hilary Knight (21) goes to shoot the puck as Team Kloss defender Erin Ambrose (23)defends during the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during NHL All-Star Thursday at Scotiabank Arena on Feb. 1, 2024 inToronto, Ontario.
(John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)

Boston forward Hilary Knight walks onto the ice before a PWHL ice hockey gam against Minnesota at the Tsongas Center on Jan. 3, 2024 in Lowell, Mass.
(Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images)

Boston forward Hilary Knight skates onto the ice before a PWHL ice hockey game against Minnesota at the Tsongas Center on Jan. 3, 2024 in Lowell, Mass.
(Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images)

(L-R) Taylor Girard, Hilary Knight, Marie-Philip Poulin, Sarah Nurse, Lexie Adzija and Taylor Heise attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, Calif.
(Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)

Hilary Knight of the U.S. celebrates with the trophy after winning the Gold Medal Game against Canada at the IIHF Women's World Championships in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic on April 20, 2025.
(David W Cerny, REUTERS)

Hilary Knight of Boston Fleet celebrates with fans after scoring a goal against the Minnesota Frost during the third period at Tsongas Center on Feb. 16, 2025 in Lowell, Mass. The Fleet defeat the Frost 4-2.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)

Hilary Knight of Boston Fleet looks on during the third period of the game against the Minnesota Frost at Tsongas Center on Feb. 16, 2025 in Lowell, Mass. The Fleet defeat the Frost 4-2.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)

Hilary Knight, captain of Team USA ice hockey and of the new PWHL expansion team in Seattle, throws the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers at T-Mobile Park on July 23, 2025 in Seattle, Wash.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)

Knight has influenced an entire generation of players throughout her career, many of whom are now her teammates who will carry on the legacy of the U.S. national team when she's gone. First-time Olympian Haley Winn recalls taking a photo with Knight in upstate New York at a hockey camp when she was younger.

"Obviously she's someone a lot of us have looked up to since we were little," said Winn, who scored her first Olympic goal in USA's win over Switzerland on Feb. 9. "I know I have a picture with her from when I was probably seven or eight, so to be able to play on a team with her, obviously it leaves you kind of speechless."

Winn isn't the only one. Tessa Janecke, Laila Edwards, Hannah Bilka and Caroline Harvey all idolized Knight in their youth. It was Edwards who assisted Knight's historic goal on Thursday, alongside Keller.

"It's unbelievable. It just seemed to be a very small part of what Hilary's accomplished," Edwards said. "I'm so honored and to learn from her every day, it's just been such a blessing."

Hilary Knight (21) of the United States celebrates with Laila Edwards (10) of the United States after scoring a goal against Finland in women's ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on Feb 7, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Knight doesn't have to say too much to lead. Her coaches and teammates describe her as a "silent force," who leads by example, as cliche as that may sound. "Her actions mean everything," added Taylor Heise, who said she just likes to sit and observe how Knight operates on a daily basis, "as weird as that sounds."

"She knows how to bring a group together, like 'Let's go and fight and we're going to go to the end,' and it's inspiring to be around. She's an amazing human being," said U.S. women's hockey coach John Wroblewski, who was brought to tears after the gold-medal win. "(Knight) needs her teammates and I think that she's as cognizant of that as anybody can imagine."

Knight scored two goals in as many games to open Olympic play. Her first came in the second period of USA's 5-1 win over Czechia on Feb. 5 to become the third player to score in five different Olympics, joining Canadians Jayna Hefford and Hayley Wickenheiser. Canada's Marie-Philip Poulin later joined the list and surpassed Wickenheiser (18) as the all-time leading women's Olympic scorer with 20 goals.

Knight again found the back of the net in the second period against Finland on Feb. 7, which was all the more impressive considering the veteran left the ice in the first period with an apparent injury.

Finland forward Ida Kuoppala collided with Knight's left leg right in front of the U.S. bench as Knight possessed the puck with 4:28 remaining in the first period. Knight's left leg buckled and she immediately fell down to the ice, where she withered in pain. She went right off the ice and didn't return with the starting line the remainder of the first period as she received medical attention on the bench.

"When we saw her kind of roll over and got hurt a little bit, (it) almost brought me to tears on the bench," Heise recalled. "(Knight) is such a resilient player and she worked so hard and you could see her when she got in the locker room, it didn't phase her. Straight to the trainer and did what she needed to do and figured it out."

Knight recorded two assists in USA's 5-0 shutout of Switzerland on Feb. 9, in addition to an assist in the team's 5-0 win over Canada on Feb. 10. She finished with six points in the tournament.

"She's the best player in the world," Heise added.

Her performance was so good that many questioned whether Knight should retire or run it back.

Heise said she's "never going to count (Knight) out," while Coyne Schofield added, "I don't put anything past Hilary Knight. Whatever goals in her head, she's going to accomplish it."

She accomplished her goal of winning a gold medal and even dished out a silver engagement ring to her fiancée, U.S. speed skater Brittany Bowe, all in the span of 48 hours.

"This is my last Games and I've had a heck of a week personally, so it's been an incredible ride and I have to soak this all in because this room is just so special," Knight said. "This team is so special. This is the best U.S. hockey team I've ever been a part of and that is just so tremendous."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hilary Knight still USA hockey's best, she proved that at Olympics

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Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

Relive USA’s thrilling gold‑medal OT win and celebration over Canada

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader

USA Hockey veteran Hilary Knight heads to Milan‑Cortina as team leader