Hilary Knight sets new Women’s World Championship all-time points record

During the USA’s 12-1 quarterfinal win over Hungary on Thursday, Hilary Knight made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer at the IIHF Women’s World Championship. 

Going into the matchup, Knight sat just one point behind Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser’s previous record with Team Canada of 86 points all-time after already passing Jayna Hefford’s 83 points during the preliminary round. 

Inevitably, Knight didn’t have to wait too long to pass Wickenheiser too. Earning the primary assist on USA’s seventh goal of the game (scored by Hannah Bilka in the second period) Knight tied the Canadian legend, and while it initially seemed that Knight broke the record with a second assist later on in the period (Hannah Brandt’s 9-0 goal), the assist credit was ultimately changed. 

However, with a goal in the opening minutes of the third period to extend USA’s lead to 11-0, Knight officially made history by grabbing her 87^th Women’s Worlds career point.  

Knight now leads the tournament all-time in both points and goals. She broke the goals record just last year in 2021, passing the previous record-holder and Hockey Hall of Famer, Cammi Granato, when she netted her 45^th career goal. 

2022 marks Knight’s 12^th appearance at the Women’s Worlds, which set a USA Hockey record. After first debuting in 2007, she’s accumulated 51 goals and 36 assists for the leading 87 points in 63 games played. 

But the 33-year-old forward’s illustrious career accolades don’t end there. As a four-time Olympian, she’s won one gold and three silvers with USA, as well as eight golds and three silvers at the World Championship. 

As the No. 1 seed currently in the tournament, USA’s next game will be Saturday’s semifinal.