Hilary Knight’s Healthy Return Boosts PWHL Performance

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hilary Knight, one of the seasoned veterans of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), has been excelling in her role as a standout forward, boasting impressive ice time statistics just three months into the league’s sophomore season. At 35, Knight remains a pivotal figure in U.S. women’s hockey, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in any game situation. Averaging almost 22 minutes per game, the captain of the Boston Fleet is dispelling doubts after seeing a decrease in her statistics last season. She attributes her resurgence to her recovery from an ankle injury that had been ailing her for a while but chose to address it during the offseason. Knight now enjoys focused play, liberated from the self-imposed pressure of ensuring the league’s seamless launch, a burden she carried being one of its foundational forces.

In a recent conversation during the Fleet’s Takeover Tour stop in Buffalo, Knight expressed her relief in the league’s stable management. Her four-time Olympian credentials, along with being the inaugural IIHF female hockey player of the year in 2023, are enhanced by her current ability to play pain-free. “I feel like I don’t have as much tread on the tires considering how many minutes I have,” Knight explained, emphasizing how enjoyable it is to play at her desired competitive level.

Last season, Knight concluded with 11 points, placing her tied at 31st and 14th with six goals across 24 matches. She did not score any points in eight playoff games, as Boston succumbed to Minnesota in the decisive game of the finals. This season, however, is seeing a reversal of fortunes. With 17 points and eight goals through 19 games, she is now tied for fifth and fourth respectively, with her ice-time average ranking seventh, factoring in defensemen.

Knight’s resurgence is contributing significantly to Boston’s momentum, as illustrated by her crucial goals in key matchups that have elevated the team into third place. Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer observes that this year, Knight is settling into her renowned reputation, vital for the team’s dynamics. Her leadership, along with her defensive skills in challenging series against Montreal, has been invaluable. “And that’s why she’s a winner,” Marmer noted, emphasizing Knight’s ability to impact the team favorably even when not scoring.

With 19 seasons under her belt with the U.S. national team, Knight’s accolades are numerous, including an Olympic gold in 2018, three silvers, and nine world championship gold medals. She appears set to make a record fifth Olympic appearance next year in Italy, barring any setbacks. As the Fleet’s leader, Knight collaborates with coach Courtney Kessel on team strategies and maintains a balanced locker room environment through humor or focus whenever required. Teammates appreciate how she effectively manages off-ice commitments such as interviews and appearances.

“She’s truly a professional. I’ve learned so much from her,” said Fleet goalie and U.S. national team member Aerin Frankel, highlighting Knight’s comprehensive persona both off and on the ice. Her performance hasn’t waned with age; she recently celebrated a hat trick in world championship play, and last year matched the top point tally in the tournament, though the U.S. fell short to Canada.

Yet, Knight admits to feeling frustration over her lack of offensive output for Boston in last year’s playoffs. “It’s really fun to score, and if it’s something you’re supposed to be doing and you’re not doing it, it’s definitely tough,” she remarked. Despite this, Knight remained unwavering in her commitment last season, undeterred by her ankle issues. “That was sort of the mental battle of last year, wanting to show up for the team … with the understanding that I wasn’t where I would like to be,” she reflected. “But I was going to do everything I could in my capability when I was out there.”