USA Women's Ice Hockey Captain Played 2026 Olympics With Torn MCL

Hilary Knight scored a goal in Team USA's gold-medal overtime win versus Canada.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Team USA women's ice hockey captain Hilary Knight, 36, revealed that she played through a torn MCL in her knee during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal. Knight scored the game-tying goal in the final minutes of regulation before the U.S. went on to win in overtime.

Why it matters

Knight's ability to play through a significant injury and still contribute to a gold medal-winning performance speaks to her toughness and dedication as a leader of the U.S. women's hockey team. Her injury and subsequent placement on long-term injured reserve also highlights the physical toll that elite athletes can face, even at the pinnacle of their careers.

The details

Knight suffered a torn MCL in her knee prior to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Despite the injury, she was able to play through the pain, scoring three goals and three assists to help the U.S. defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime for the gold medal. Knight's injury will now keep her out of action for the Seattle Torrent of the PWHL, where she plays professionally.

  • Knight suffered the torn MCL prior to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Knight scored the game-tying goal for the U.S. with two minutes remaining in regulation of the gold-medal match versus Canada.
  • The U.S. went on to win the gold medal in overtime.

The players

Hilary Knight

The 36-year-old captain of the U.S. women's ice hockey team, who led them to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics despite playing with a torn MCL in her knee.

Seattle Torrent

The professional women's hockey team that Knight plays for in the PWHL, which has placed her on long-term injured reserve following her return from the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I got a little banged up. I'm not walking around the best, and I'm missing a few games for the Seattle Torrent now.”

— Hilary Knight (CBS Mornings)

“But to be able to play through injury was definitely a mental gymnastic challenge for myself — and also physical. But we have some amazing support staff that did their best to get me out there and perform at my best.”

— Hilary Knight (CBS Mornings)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Knight's ability to play through a significant injury and still lead the U.S. women's hockey team to Olympic gold demonstrates her toughness and dedication as a leader. Her injury also highlights the physical toll that elite athletes can face, even at the pinnacle of their careers.