MILAN – If you ask any of her teammates from over the years, they will tell you that these are the moments for which Hilary Knight was made.
No one was taken aback when Knight deflected a shot from Laila Edwards into the net, leveling the gold-medal match of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at 1-1 against longtime rival Canada with 2:04 left in the game and goaltender Aerin Frankel pulled for an additional attacker.
“When the game is on the line, you want the puck on her stick,” Kendall Coyne Schofield predicted back in September.
There are several traits and practices that Knight believes are essential for a gold-medal winning team.
One that she emphasized during the U.S. Women’s National Team training camp this September was the importance of a locker room filled with affection.
“You need to have passion and love for one another in the room,” Knight stated. “In every successful team I have been part of, we would do anything for each other.
“If that love is present, combined with the competitive spirit and skills we all possess, we can be quite formidable.”
But why is love so crucial?
Well, Knight elaborated just under 24 hours before the gold medal match in Milan, explaining that there comes a moment when a team faces challenges and finds themselves under pressure.
Love, empathy, and confidence can significantly influence the bench and help overcome doubt, stress, and anxiety.
THAT'S OUR CAPTAIN#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/P2qRApXvMx
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 19, 2026
“You enter these intense situations, and mistakes will happen, but someone will always be there to support you, and that’s what a team is about,” Knight explained. “When there is trust among teammates, it creates a vulnerability and a level of confidence. It also provides that extra spark, knowing we will accomplish our goal together.”
Knight serves as that vital spark for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, and her teammates appreciate her for who she is both on and off the ice.
The U.S. had not encountered any challenges until the final moments of Thursday night at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. They had dominated their opponents with a score of 31-1 and maintained an Olympic-record shutout streak of 352:17 before Kristin O’Neill gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the second period.
Goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens and Team Canada effectively contained the high-powered U.S. offense, and time was running short. The Americans had just successfully killed off a Canadian power play late in the game, but the prospect of a gold medal was slipping away from what had seemed like a secure hold for 20 days in Milan.
Knight, participating in her fifth and anticipated final Olympics, rose to the occasion.
What was her first thought after scoring?
“We were going to win the game,” Knight remarked. “It was that straightforward. We had been applying pressure on their goaltender and gaining momentum throughout the match, but you never want to let up, especially against a strong team. So when I found the back of the net, I thought, ‘Here we go. This is ours.’”
THE golden goal#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/OhzdMt0nxD
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 19, 2026
In overtime, Megan Keller received a deep pass from Taylor Heise to the left of the U.S. goal crease, then maneuvered around Claire Thompson and slipped the puck through Desbiens’ five-hole to secure the U.S. a golden goal and a lasting memory.
“I am incredibly proud of this group,” Keller stated. “The way we fought and battled for over 60 minutes was remarkable. It was a complete team effort. Everyone truly cares for one another. It is a unique group to be part of.
“We discussed it before going into overtime. We were focused on playing to win, not just to avoid losing.”
Heise remarked, “(Knight) is the reason we win. She is the glue that holds our group together. She’s incredible. We will miss her greatly. I would never count her out, but she has solidified her place in history, and I am thrilled for her.
"She is among the best to ever play the game. It’s a privilege to share the ice with her.”
Aerin Frankel was solid in goal, making crucial saves to keep the U.S. in contention until the heroics of Knight and Keller. Frankel concluded the match with 30 saves.
The joy displayed by the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team bench inside Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Thursday was far more profound than just a gold medal or Knight setting records.
Instead, the smiles, embraces, and celebrations on Thursday reflected the love and gratitude that Knight’s teammates hold for their captain and for one another.
The U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team aimed to ensure Knight concluded her Olympic journey with a second gold medal.
“Not only does she lead on the ice with her numerous accolades, but also through her genuine care for her teammates,” Coyne Schofield noted. “She takes the time to understand her teammates. She knows what motivates them, when they might need a little extra encouragement, when to speak up, and when to lead by example through her performance and work ethic.
“She possesses a natural leadership ability, which is why she has achieved so much both on and off the ice.”
Indeed, Knight scored a record-setting 15th goal of her Olympic career, contributing to the U.S. securing its third gold medal in women’s hockey, but the number of times Knight has scored for the advancement of women’s hockey, girls’ hockey, and her U.S. Women’s National Team is significantly greater.
“If you consider her contributions to the sport both on and off the ice, and the influence she has had not only on this program but on the sport as a whole – that’s the most challenging form of leadership – to transform the game forever. And she has accomplished that,” Coyne Schofield added.
“This sport wouldn’t be where it is today without her. This program wouldn’t be where it is without her. This team wouldn’t be where it is without her. It’s a heavy responsibility to bear. She may never acknowledge it, but she handles it exceptionally well. I don’t think any of us fully comprehend the weight she carries and the efforts she makes to elevate us as a team. Every day we arrive at the rink, she manages everything that needs to be addressed.”
Keller provided an assist on Knight’s 14th career goal earlier in the Olympics and then became the overtime hero on Thursday. She and Knight were also teammates at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, the last time the U.S. claimed gold.
“I’m just honored to have the opportunity to play alongside her,” Keller expressed. “Most of the team was aware that she was close to several records. She has done so much for this sport, and she deserves every bit of success, especially for who she is off the ice."
Knight made her Olympic debut at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 as the youngest member of the silver medal-winning U.S. team alongside Natalie Darwitz, who previously held the goals record with Katie King.
“Those are legendary players, and just being mentioned alongside them is incredibly special,” Knight remarked.
This year marked Haley Winn’s first Olympics, and she still possesses a childhood photo from when she first met Knight – one of her role models. Many of Knight’s younger teammates share similar sentiments.
“It’s difficult to articulate; she is someone many of us have admired since we were young,” Winn stated. “I have a picture with her from when I was around 7 or 8, so being able to play on a team with her leaves you somewhat speechless. You learn so much from her both on and off the ice. She’s an excellent mentor, so witnessing her success isn’t surprising for us. She definitely leads by example, and we are fortunate to have her.”
Knight played a key role in the U.S. winning gold at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, and now her 33 career points in her American-record five Olympics is also the highest total ever, surpassing Jenny Potter.
Knight concluded the 2026 Olympic Winter Games with three goals and three assists. She is the most decorated American women’s hockey player in history, with two gold medals and three silvers in her Olympic career.
“I cherish this group,” Knight stated. “It’s incredibly special to compete at this level. I feel immense gratitude. It’s such a magical experience, and I’m just trying to absorb it all.
“This team possesses remarkable determination. We never give up and are always prepared to fight and compete. It’s a testament to our group’s preparation, the love we share in that room, and our commitment to finding a way to succeed at the end of the day.”
Lee Stecklein participated in four of those Olympics alongside Knight and was not surprised by Knight’s remarkable performance.
“It’s the perfect way for her to achieve this milestone,” Stecklein remarked. “She is the greatest player of all time. Scoring goals consistently like she does is extraordinary. We have faith in her. We know she is someone who delivers. Witnessing her in front of the net and realizing she tipped it in is classic Hilary Knight. She is an incredible person, player, and a fantastic leader and captain.”
Knight is a record 10-time world champion and holds all three scoring milestone records (goals, assists, and points) in IIHF Women's Hockey World Championships history.
Dylan Larkin of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team had a chance to greet Knight briefly at the Olympic Village earlier in the Olympics.
“Hilary breaking the all-time Olympic record for goals is simply remarkable. I said hello to her when we arrived. It’s incredible. The (women) are a powerhouse, and they have earned that while remaining humble about their excellence. I’m thrilled to be here, to observe closely, and to be around their winning mentality. They are the best in the world.”
Five months after she first spoke of Knight’s leadership and game-winning capability, Coyne Schofield offered a simple description of Knight’s Milan performance as she stood just a few feet away from her on the Italian ice late Thursday night.
“Poetic,” she said, with a gold medal hanging from her neck. “Hilary always exits with a flourish. From the proposal (to Brittany Bowe) that had me falling off my chair to her record-breaking goal.
“Securing another gold medal for her, I am so happy for her, and she is the greatest to ever play. You literally can’t script it any better.”
Hilary Knight, everyone.#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/Oas0YmzERP
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 19, 2026
The once “elusive” gold medal that Knight has pursued since the 2018 Olympic Winter Games is now a reality.
As the 23 players stood united at center ice, they all sang the U.S. national anthem, filled with affection for one another.
Their captain could not be prouder.
“It’s been an extraordinary journey,” Knight stated. “I just need to take a moment to appreciate this because this room is incredibly special. This team is remarkable. This is the best U.S. Hockey team I have ever been part of, and that is truly significant.
“I love this group.”
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