‘She’s the best leader in the world’: USA’s Knight ends Olympic career on ultimate high
Hilary Knight’s Olympic career could not have ended in a sweeter or more dramatic way, with her tying goal in the final moments to send the game to overtime before Megan Keller’s winner secured a second Olympic gold medal for the American hockey legend.
The standard-bearer for a generation of American hockey, Knight spent the entire Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic tournament chasing not only a second gold medal but also the record for the most Olympic goals by an American woman.
With her tip on Lailah Edwards’ shot late in the third period to force overtime against Canada, she helped secure both achievements, making her final moments in a Team USA jersey on the Olympic stage some of her most iconic.
“She’s the best leader in the world, and it shows,” said 23-year-old teammate Abbey Murphy, playing at her second Olympics and winning her first gold medal all before a likely long PWHL career. “She puts her mind to things; it shows in her actions. There’s no one better than her in the world, truly. She shines in big moments, the moments when we need her most.”
With the goal, Knight surpassed Hockey Hall of Famer Jenny Potter, who posted 32 points across four Olympics, as well as passing Natalie Darwitz and Katie King, who each had 14 goals in their Olympic careers.
Knight also joined Potter, Darwitz and King as the only American women to have posted 20 points in their Olympic careers, and while she won’t retire from international play completely, targeting a few more World Championships, she ends her Olympic career as her nation’s greatest.
The medal also marked her 14th gold medal at the Olympics and the IIHF World Championships combined, continuing her legacy as her country’s most influential and decorated player.
“I think about all the people that helped me get here, keep us healthy at this level. It’s really special, and I can’t wait to share this with some people,” Knight said post-game. “I feel a lot of gratitude. It’s such a magical moment, and I’m just trying to soak it all in.”