USA hockey star Hilary Knight battled brutal injury at 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics went extremely well for Team USA women’s hockey, and Hilary Knight proved to be a massive reason for the squad’s success.

The 36 year old hockey star competed at her fifth Olympic Games in Milan Cortina and played a huge role in the Americans winning a gold medal. Knight set various Winter Olympics records with the U.S. squad, and she revealed an interesting tidbit this week.

During Hilary Knight’s appearance on CBS Mornings, she announced that she played through an MCL injury in Italy. The knee ailment proved to be severe enough that the Seattle Torrent even placed her on injured reserve.

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Knight was placed on long-term injured reserve by the Seattle Torrent this week.

(via @CBSMornings) pic.twitter.com/EhCOk1hmCs

— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) March 2, 2026

Knight scored the game-tying goal in the gold medal match against Canada. Meanwhile, she stayed on the ice throughout the tournament and finished as America’s all-time leading goalscorer at the Winter Olympics.

The Olympics veteran owns the men’s and women’s Team USA hockey record for most goals, points and appearances. Knight and the women’s hockey team have faced some adversity since the Olympics ended though.

Megan Keller and Knight even appeared on ‘Saturday Night Live’ to hit back at president Donald Trump amid his viral joke that was said in front of the men’s hockey team winning their gold medal. However, Knight continues to show her toughness on and off the ice.

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Hilary Knight celebrates after the gold medal in women’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

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Hilary Knight celebrates after the gold medal in women’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Winter Olympics also marked a huge event for Knight on a personal level when she wasn’t excelling for Team USA. Hilary Knight apparently proposed to USA speed skater Brittany Bowe at the Milan Cortina Games.

Needless to say, February was a huge month for Knight and the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams. It remains to be seen if the Olympic superstar has one more Winter Olympics in her system come 2030.