Hilary knight biography

Hilary Knight

American ice hockey forward
Date of Birth: 12.07.1989
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Hilary Knight: American Hockey Icon
  2. Record-Breaking Season and National Team Debut
  3. NCAA and CWHL Success
  4. International Dominance
  5. Olympic Silver and All-Star Accolades
  6. NWHL Star
  7. Legacy

Hilary Knight: American Hockey Icon

Early Years and College Career

Hilary Knight, born July 12, 1989, in Palo Alto, California, began her hockey journey in Lake Forest, Illinois. She attended Choate Rosemary Hall, where she excelled in athletics, and later played for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In her freshman year at Wisconsin, Knight helped the women's hockey team achieve second place at the NCAA championship. She ranked second in goals scored (20) and fifth in assists (18) with 38 total points. She also recorded her first career hat-trick against the University of North Dakota in her collegiate debut.

Record-Breaking Season and National Team Debut

In her sophomore season, Knight became the NCAA's top scorer in power-play goals (16). She set new program records for total points, goals scored, and power-play goals in a season. On September 27, 2008, she scored a career-high five goals against Quinnipiac Bobcats, including her first natural hat-trick. Knight also recorded her second hat-trick of the season against the University of North Dakota. At the Frozen Four tournament, she tallied three goals and three assists.

NCAA and CWHL Success

On October 2, 2010, Knight had a five-point performance in a 6-0 victory over the RPI Engineers. She began with a natural hat-trick and added two assists. On January 14 and 16, 2011, Knight recorded eight points, leading the Wisconsin Badgers in two games against St. Cloud State University. In the first game, she scored three goals and two assists in a 10-0 win. In the second game, she netted two goals and one assist in a 6-0 victory.

On February 5, 2011, Knight scored her 36th goal of the year at 2:46 of overtime, leading the Wisconsin Badgers to a 2-1 win over Bemidji State Beavers. In the same game, opposing goaltender Alana McElhinney made 43 saves, including 24 in the second period alone.

Knight scored her fifth career hat-trick on September 25, 2011, in a 13-0 win against Lindenwood Lady Lions. Against Bemidji State University in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) competition, she recorded five points; her total points reached 239, surpassing Meghan Duggan's previous Wisconsin Badgers record of 238 career points. The WCHA named Knight "Player of the Week" in recognition of her achievement.

Later that season, the Wisconsin Badgers hosted a record crowd of 12,402 against Bemidji State Beavers at Kohl Center. Knight increased her career points to 262. She was drafted third overall by the Boston Blades in the 2012 Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) Draft.

International Dominance

Knight has been an integral member of the United States national team since her teenage years. In November 2006, she made her Team USA debut at the Four Nations Cup as the youngest member of the squad. At the 2007 IIHF Women's World Championship, she earned a silver medal with Team USA, coached by former Wisconsin Badgers coach Mark Johnson.

Knight scored the game-winning goal in the 7:48 of overtime, helping the United States women's hockey team capture their third world championship against Canada in the gold medal game at the Hallenstadion in Zürich. The final score was 3-2.

In the first game of the 2011 IIHF Eight Nations Tournament, Knight had a hat-trick in a victory over Russia. She also scored two goals in the opening game of the 2011 IIHF Women's World Championship, a 9-2 victory for the United States over Canada.

Olympic Silver and All-Star Accolades

In 2010, Knight took a year off from the University of Wisconsin to join the U.S. Olympic team. At the age of 20 years and 217 days, she became the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team in men's or women's hockey. She finished the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with eight points and a silver medal.

At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Knight led Team USA in scoring with six points. She scored the team's first goal of the Games and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team. Knight finished the Olympic tournament with three goals and three assists and earned a silver medal.

NWHL Star

In September 2015, Knight joined the Boston Pride of the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL). She continues to excel in the NWHL, contributing to the team's success and breaking records.

Legacy

Hilary Knight is a decorated athlete who has made significant contributions to women's hockey in the United States. With her exceptional scoring能力, leadership, and dedication, she has left an indelible mark on the sport. Off the ice, Knight is also a vocal advocate for gender equity and social justice. She is an inspiration to young hockey players and a role model for all athletes.