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US Women's Hockey Captain Played Olympics with Torn MCL
Hilary Knight reveals she competed with a serious knee injury during the gold medal run.
Mar. 2, 2026 at 6:47pm
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U.S. women's hockey captain Hilary Knight disclosed that she played through the Olympics with a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) in one of her knees. Despite the injury, the 36-year-old Knight was able to tie the gold medal game against Canada late in regulation, helping the U.S. team ultimately win the championship.
Why it matters
Knight's revelation highlights the incredible physical and mental toughness required to compete at the highest levels of international hockey, even while dealing with significant injuries. Her willingness to play through pain for the sake of her team underscores the dedication and sacrifice of elite athletes.
The details
In a television interview, Knight said she is "not walking around the best" and has had to miss some games for her PWHL team, the Seattle Torrent, due to the MCL tear. However, with the support of the U.S. team's medical staff, Knight was able to take the ice in Milan and contribute to the gold medal victory.
- Knight played in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
- The U.S. women's hockey team won the gold medal by defeating Canada.
The players
Hilary Knight
The 36-year-old captain of the U.S. women's hockey team who led her squad to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy despite playing with a torn MCL.
Kendall Coye Schofield
A teammate of Hilary Knight on the U.S. women's hockey team who was also placed on long-term injured reserve by her PWHL team upon returning from the Olympics.
Erin Ambrose
A member of the Canadian women's hockey team who was placed on long-term injured reserve by her PWHL team after competing in the gold medal game against the United States.
Megan Keller
The U.S. women's hockey player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat Canada and clinch the gold medal for the United States.
Jack Hughes
A member of the U.S. men's hockey team who also won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Quinn Hughes
The brother of Jack Hughes and also a member of the U.S. men's hockey team that won gold in Milan.
What they’re saying
“I'm not walking around the best, and I'm missing a few games for the (PWHL's) Seattle Torrent.”
— Hilary Knight, U.S. Women's Hockey Team Captain
“To be able to play through injury was definitely a mental sort of gymnastic challenge for myself and also physical, but we've got some amazing support staff that did their best to get me out there and perform at my best — as best as I could.”
— Hilary Knight, U.S. Women's Hockey Team Captain
What’s next
Knight and her U.S. men's hockey counterparts Jack and Quinn Hughes are scheduled to appear on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Monday night, continuing their media tour since returning home with gold medals.
The takeaway
Hilary Knight's willingness to play through a serious knee injury to lead the U.S. women's hockey team to Olympic gold underscores the incredible physical and mental fortitude of elite athletes. Her sacrifice and dedication to her team and country serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.
